To achieve their 1.5C-based energy and climate goals, countries and cities must achieve reductions in electric sector GHG emissions by approximately 80% by 2030 (from 2005 levels). Doing so will not only involve adding more renewable energy, but strengthening transmission infrastructure, retiring fossil-based resources, starting with coal plants, enhancing demand response and load shifting programs, and undergoing rate and tariff reform to achieve the intended outcomes. In addition, this massive transition must be done in a way that is inclusive, democratic, and helps address the historic environmental justice issue brought about by the energy sector. And while local governments often do not have direct control over their power supply, they are increasingly exerting influence and creating partnerships with their utility companies and the regulating authorities for their given region.
This session will review current efforts by local governments in the USA, Korea, and Europe to secure a decarbonized electricity supply for their communities. It will feature both ICLEI subject matter experts as well as ICLEI member cities. It will include both the policy and regulatory approaches local governments are pursuing, as well as efforts to direct benefits to local communities and ensure equity in doing so.
Speakers
- Tom Meeuws, Vice Mayor, City of Antwerp, Belgium
- Inkeun Lee, Director General for Environment & Energy Bureau, Seoul Metropolitan Government, South Korea
- Jennifer Arndt, Mayor of Ft Collins, CO, USA
Session overview
13:45-13:50 CEST | Opening and introduction
13:50-14:40 CEST | Questions for speakers
The speakers will be asked four rounds of questions
- Round 1: By the moderator
- Round 2: Speakers ask each other questions
- Round 3: Rapid Fire Questions from the moderator
- Round 4: Questions from the audience
14:40-14:45 CEST | Closing remarks
The following questions will be posted to panel participants:
- How has the perspective of local governments changed in the past few years in terms of their role in creating a decarbonized grid.
- How has local government collaboration with citizens, and support of communal energy supported rid decarbonization?
- For those cities buying renewable energy on behalf of their citizens, what are the pitfalls and concerns.How as the focus shifted from purchasing renewable energy credits to creating larger regional impacts?
- What are the policies or markets that are needed to make regional grid decarbonization take place?
- How far can markets take us towards the goal of zero carbon?
- What social innovations in energy policies and markets can support this objective?
- How are utilities addressing equity considerations in their rates and programs?
- How is the citizen experience and active participation changing the dynamic?
- How are equity and injustices in decarbonizing the grids addressed in practice?
