Energy Commissioner Oettinger launches European Smart Cities and Communities Initiative.
Smart Cities and Communities Initiative Launch Conference Commissioner for Energy Günther Oettinger started the EU’s programme for the energy efficient cities of tomorrow.
“With a 80 Million Euro package we demonstrate smart integration of urban energy technologies in selected pilot cities. This will kick-start important new markets for European industry. Cities are key to the EU’s objectives of 20% energy saving by 2020 and to developing a low carbon economy by 2050, because 70% of the EU’s energy consumption takes place in cities” the Commissioner explained.
Smart Cities and Communities lead the way into the future
About three quarters of the population in the EU live in or around cities. Such urban areas consume 70% of the energy in the EU and emit about the same share of greenhouse gases. Cities that pilot the switch to a smart, low-carbon energy system have a huge potential to harvest multiple benefits: saving money thanks to lower energy consumption, boosting employment due to development and roll out of innovative energy technologies, stimulating entrepreneurship through new business opportunities, cleaner air and higher quality of life. The innovative integration of different technologies that make cities and communities “smart” require the commitment and close collaboration of local authorities, citizens, industry (e.g. energy, construction, transport, ICT), financial institutions, and academia. At this conference these stakeholders convene to:
- officially launch the Smart Cities and Communities Initiative
- learn about the results of public consultation on the Smart Cities and Communities Initiative and how the forthcoming Smart Cities and Communities Stakeholder Forum will facilitate city partnering, the creation of business opportunities and the replication of successful smart solutions.
- learn from examples in avant-garde cities and communities,
- get an overview of the different European instruments and activities relevant to the Smart Cities and Communities Initiatives
- form partnerships for the forthcoming Smart Cities and Communities Call
