Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR)
European section of United Cities and Local Governments


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Sustainable energy week - 21.06.2017

​North European municipalities showcase local government leadership at European Sustainable Energy Week
The national associations of local government from Finland, Iceland, Norway, Scotland and Sweden jointly showcased at the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) innovative local approaches to clean energy supply.
 
Working with our pan European umbrella organsiation, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), the associations represent over 1000 municipalities working to support sustainable energy solutions in new and innovative ways – whether by testing new solutions in transport, looking at alternative fuel sources or connecting rural and peripheral areas.
 
In opening the session, the President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), Markku Markkula said: 
 
"The CoR supports Regional and Local Authorities work to develop innovative new ways to supply clean energy. Local authorities in these organising Nordic areas operate in a truly unique landscape, they adopt a triple helix approach to ensure energy is accessible for all. Today’s EUSEW session is composed of five project presentations from each territory, all of which are benefiting local supply, helping lower energy costs for communities and delivering energy efficient public services.”
 
Participants heard first-hand local experience of the working process, the benefits and the challenges of local authority led projects for renewable energy and efficiency.  
 
Barbara Whiting, Lead Officer – Renewables & Low Carbon, Fife Council in Scotland said: 
 
Renewable energy can greatly benefit the grid nationally and create one of Europe’s largest fleets of dual-fuel vehicles. The Levenmouth Community Energy Project [in Fife] is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the area and is widely considered as a valuable demonstration of how hydrogen can decarbonise transport applications in Scotland and help secure future energy supplies for generations to come."
 
It will consider the challenges faced by local authorities and demonstrate how they can be overcome to encourage other municipalities in other regions.
 
Malin Forsgren, Cleantech Östergötland ( Sweden) discussed how a region where Biofuels are deployed can successfully contribute to a Fossil-Free Society. She said:
Sweden is a country well on its way to becoming carbon neutral where regions have been successfully using biofuels to move away from fossil fuels.”
 
Are Børjesson, City of Bergen (Norway) outlined how waste Management and District Heating can replace Fossil Fuels and Cleaner Air: 
 
In Norway, new approaches to waste management and district heating has allowed municipalities to develop innovative Circular Economy projects.”
 
The contribution by municipalities to  EU 2020 and 2030 climate and energy targets, the EU Circular Economy Package and Clean Energy Package was outlined by Kalevi Luoma, AFLRA (Finland), specifically on Energy Efficiency and renewables in Buildings:
 
Municipalities in Finland are leading efforts on energy efficiency in buildings in turn creating significant energy savings.”
 
The event demonstrated the leadership of local government in the field of climate action, contribution to the development of the low carbon economy and crucial role in facilitating access to affordable clean energy, to supply and empower local communities.  
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