The SPARCS project is thrilled to announce its participation in the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2024. This prestigious event, focused on promoting sustainable energy initiatives across Europe, will see SPARCS fellow city Reykjavik presenting at a session titled “Smart Cities Marketplace – Empowering Communities: Pitching Net-Zero Energy Emission Solutions Implemented by Municipalities.” Don’t miss out, make sure to register to attend the session.

Reykjavik’s contribution to net-zero solutions

Reykjavik will be represented by Sylva Lam, Project Manager of International Climate Projects at the city’s Mayor’s Office. She will showcase the innovative strategies and implementations that Reykjavik has pursued to achieve net-zero energy emissions. These solutions not only aim to lower the city’s carbon footprint but also enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Reykjavik’s presentation will focus on optimal energy distribution, highlighting the implementation of solutions to lower peak loads on the electricity distribution system and the use of Iceland’s abundant hydropower and geothermal resources for heating and energy production in homes. Additionally, the city has made significant investments in sustainable urban mobility infrastructure, developing multi-modal mobility hubs as part of its Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan. These initiatives underscore Reykjavik’s commitment to leveraging renewable energy and sustainable practices to create a resilient and eco-friendly urban environment.

Other featured municipalities

The session will also feature pitches from other European cities, each presenting unique and replicable solutions for achieving net-zero energy emissions. Amsterdam, represented by Hessel Van Der Hoorn, will discuss the transformation of building stock into nearly zero energy buildings through a subsidy scheme aimed at retrofitting over 800 apartments.

Representing Poznan, Lewis McNamee will introduce THERMOS, an efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly heat network planning software that is free and open source. Bergen’s contribution, presented by Johan C. Haveland, will highlight Asistobe, a front-end platform for public transport planners that uses AI and Big Data to optimise public transport planning and reduce carbon emissions. From the Venice area, a speaker from H2GO will demonstrate the benefits of converting battery electric vehicles into hydrogen battery electric vehicles, addressing the challenge of limited battery capacity in utility electric vehicles.

Highlighting replicable solutions

This EUSEW session is designed to highlight the innovative and replicable solutions being implemented across European municipalities. By showcasing these initiatives, the session aims to inspire other cities and regions to adopt similar strategies, ultimately contributing to the broader goal of achieving net-zero energy emissions by 2050. Participants will gain insights into overcoming the various hurdles associated with transitioning to sustainable practices and will have the opportunity to engage in knowledge exchange and collaborative discussions.

Make sure to join SPARCS at EUSEW 2024 to explore how communities across Europe are reshaping urban landscapes and empowering themselves towards a sustainable future.