The Smart Cities Marketplace has released "Renewable Energy in Cities," a detailed solution booklet intended to support local authorities in planning and implementing renewable energy projects. As urban areas account for over 70% of the EU’s population and a substantial share of energy consumption and emissions, the publication identifies cities as central actors in the EU’s strategy to reach climate neutrality by 2050.
The 70-page document presents technical, financial, regulatory and governance-related information to help cities deploy renewable energy technologies effectively. It examines the role of solar photovoltaic systems, solar thermal installations, wind power, geothermal energy, hydropower, bioenergy, renewable hydrogen, and heat recovery. Each technology is explained in terms of performance, integration challenges, and urban applications. The guide includes examples from across Europe, such as solar-powered municipal buildings in Gran Canaria, geothermal heating networks in France and Spain, and wind integration into district heating in Vienna.
In addition to technology, the booklet explores societal and regulatory frameworks that enable the urban energy transition. It includes an analysis of EU directives such as the Clean Energy for All Europeans Package, which provides legal foundations for energy communities, and the Renewable Energy Directive, which introduced provisions for energy sharing. Case studies demonstrate how cities such as Guimarães, Almada, and Eeklo have successfully implemented community-led energy projects, supported by national and EU-level frameworks.
The publication addresses key barriers to implementation, including limited local capacity, fragmented governance, financing constraints, and public resistance. It discusses permitting procedures, funding mechanisms, citizen engagement strategies, and co-investment models. Lessons learned are summarised across technical, social, and financial dimensions, and guidance is provided for replicating successful projects in other municipalities.
The solution booklet is part of a broader series produced by the Smart Cities Marketplace, a European Commission initiative that connects city governments, industry, investors, and researchers to accelerate climate-neutral urban development. The Marketplace offers free technical assistance, financing support, and peer exchange for project promoters across Europe.
Renewable Energy in Cities is available to download and is intended for use by city planners, policymakers, and stakeholders involved in sustainable urban energy systems.