Aspen, USA

Aspen is powered by 100% renewable energy!

"We’ve prepared for the new energy economy by powering Aspen’s electric utility with 100% renewables. We’re finding our rates are among the lowest in Colorado, and that a commitment to a sustainable future is practical, profitable and improves local quality of life.”
Mayor Steve Skadron, City of Aspen, USA

Aspen Electric, the City’s municipal utility, became powered by 100% renewable energy in August 2015. The current share of renewable energy in the energy mix is: hydro (46%), wind (53%) and landfill gas (1%).

Aspen’s overall GHG reduction target across all sectors for both government operations and the community is 30% below 2004 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050.

Reaching 100% RE - City of Aspen and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory develop and implement a strategy to cost-effectively reach a ground-breaking goal

REMP: The Renewable Energy Mitigation Program

Australian Capital Territory, Australia

The Australian Capital Territory is becoming 100% renewable by 2020

“The Australian Capital Territory leads Australia in mitigating climate change through its legislation, policy and on-ground works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This same ambition and leadership is now being focused on adapting both our environment and our lifestyle to local climate changes caused by the greenhouse gases already accumulated in the atmosphere.”
Deputy Chief Minister Simon Corbell, Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has a legislated target of 100% renewable energy by 2020. ACT will achieve its targets through a series of innovative large-scale reverse auctions that will deliver renewable energy to the territory at the lowest possible cost. ACT will use community solar, wind power and waste-to-energy as part of its strategy.

Brochure: How Canberra is Becoming 90% Renewable

Växjö, Sweden

District heating has been a key to progress towards 100% renewable energy in Växjö

“Växjö has a longstanding tradition of using renewable energy, which dates back decades. As the Mayor of Växjö, I have every intention to bring our community closer to becoming fossil fuel free by 2030. It is important for local governments to share their experiences with one another while making this transition. Through strong cooperation and strong networks, we can help make fossil energy a relic of the past."
Mayor Anna Tenje, City of Växjö 

In 1996 the City of Växjö approved the target to become a fossil fuel-free city and plans to reach 100% renewable energy by 2030 as indicated in the City’s Environmental Program. The city has already made significant progress with the renewable energy share at 60% as of 2014. The massive expansion of district heating systems (covering 96% of population) and the use of forest biomass enabled the city to transform its energy system and decrease its dependence on fossil fuels with significant advantages for the environment and quality of life.

To learn more about Växjö's work:

• Short video, developed by three students, on Växjö's environmental program.
• Växjö's declaration, signed by local government, academia and the business sector, was presented at COP21.

Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver has a strategy to reach 100% renewable energy by 2050.

In November 2015, the Vancouver City Council approved the Renewable City Strategy, an inspiring yet very practical document that explains how Vancouver will derive 100% of their energy from renewable sources before 2050. You can download the report here. In this article, the City’s manager talks about the challenges it faces in going 100%RE.

The Renewable City Strategy defines two targets:

1. Derive 100% of the energy used in Vancouver from renewable sources before 2050
2. Reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions by at least 80% below 2007 levels before 2050

Vancouver’s overall strategic approach is to:

1. Reduce energy use

Advance energy conservation and efficiency programs which are the most cost-effective way to a renewable energy future.

2. Increase the use of renewable energy

Switch to renewable forms of energy that are already available to us, and make improvements to our existing infrastructure to use it to its fullest potential.

3. Increase the supply of renewable energy

Increase the supply of renewable energy and build new renewable energy infrastructure.

Tshwane, South Africa

Tshwane is preparing the transition to renewable energy in the transport sector

The City of Tshwane has a target to reach 50% renewable energy at community-scale by 2030, and a clear political interest in exploring the 100% renewable energy pathway.

Recent city initiatives include biogas recovery from waste, to fuel the city-operated bus fleet running on concentrated natural gas and they also installed two solar powered electric vehicle charging stations in October 2016. Municipal buildings are being retrofitted with renewable energy installations, while they are encouraging the installation of solar water heaters for private homes.

Saanich, Canada

Saanich is assessing the feasibility of having all Municipal Buildings become 100% RE by 2025

The Saanich Climate Action Plan approved in 2010 committed the municipality to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33% in the community and 50% in municipal operations by 2020, based on 2007 levels. Recently, the council strongly supported a building retrofit project with a proposal for 100% renewable energy, a project which is now part of the ICLEI-facilitated Transformative Actions Program (TAP).

In 2016 Saanich will seek to develop an RE strategy for each municipal building. The RE retrofit in municipal buildings would provide beneficial examples to the community and the Region.

Video: Saanich TAP project

Byron Shire, Australia

Byron Shire is commited to transition to 100%RE by 2025 at community-scale

The region has been making efforts to cut emissions since 2014, through the launch of a community-owned clean energy generator focusing on solar photovoltaic (COREM - Citizens Own Renewable Energy Mullumbimby), a strong take-up of rooftop solar and the energy retailer ENOVA, through which Byron will buy and distribute renewable energy from a range of sources. 

Jeju, Republic of Korea

Jeju is connecting renewable energy to electric vehicles using smart grids

“Jeju is advancing the value of Nature, Culture and People.”
Governor Hee-ryong Won, Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Government, Republic of Korea

The Jeju Province has committed to reach 100% renewable electricity and transport by 2030 as part of its “Carbon Free Island by 2030” strategy.

In May 2015, Jeju announced a 3-phase plan called Global Eco-Platform Jeju, the masterplan for achieving the Carbon Free Island by 2030 objectives, which uses smart grids as a central piece of the puzzle for both buildings and transport. The Jeju plan includes implementation of a battery-based energy storage system and fuel cell power plants in order to ensure grid stability and address intermittency of wind and solar power. The plan is being developed and implemented with the cooperation and active participation of the largest electric utility in the nation and the private sector. 

Malmö, Sweden

Malmö, Sweden has integrated ambitious targets into city planning

By 2030, the whole municipality of Malmö will run on 100% renewable energy, including electricity, heating and transport. The current renewable energy share has already achieved 21%.

Malmö, the third largest city in Sweden, and also one of the most innovative cities in the country, has been reinventing itself thanks to committed local politicians, private investment in RE, and strong co-operation with regional stakeholders.

Over the past 20 years, the inner city’s brown fields have been re-developed and revitalized with energy efficient buildings, renewable energy and attractive public spaces. Notable examples include the Western Harbour (Västra Hamnen), which operates on 100% renewable energy and Augustenborg, an area with green roofs and open storm water systems which has 450 m² solar thermal panels connected to the district heating system. Solar panels have been installed in school buildings and Malmö hosts a large and innovative solar photovoltaic plant with 1250 m² panel coverage at Sege Park.

Case study: Malmö, Sweden - Integrating Ambitious Renewable Energy Targets in City Planning

Video Implementing Green Solutions in Augustenborg 

Inje County, Republic of Korea

Inje County is commited to reach 100% renewable electricity by 2045

In 2015, Inje County developed the strategy ‘Inje 2045 Zero Energy Independence Plan’ to transition to 100% RE by 2045. The strategy includes five main policy fields:

1. ex-pansion of new renewable energy production,
2. energy efficiency,
3. energy conservation and creation of a civic culture
4. expansion of carbon sinks, as well as
5. building & strengthening the cooperative foundation.

Some of the actions already implemented include 6 MW of wind power and 1.7 MW of mini-hydropower generation capacity which provide a stable tax revenue, respectively of USD 570,000 and USD 190,000 per year.

Pingtung County, Chinese Taipei

Pingtung County 

Following Typhoon Morakot in 2009, the deadliest recorded typhoon to impact Taiwan, Pingtung County wants to ensure the community can be energy self-sufficient for at least one week in the event of failure of the main power grid.

In July 2016, under the leadership of the head of government Magistrate Men-An Pan, the County departments and civil society gathered in Pingtung's 1st Forum on resilience and renewable energy to discuss a pathway to transition to 100% renewable energy and energy self-sufficiency. During the Forum, the Magistrate made a public commitment to explore a 100 renewable energy target and to be an active participant in the Global 100% Renewable Energy Cities and Regions Network.

Smart grids and solar farms are some of the demonstration projects already in place.

My city has not achieved 100%RE yet; is it still possible to join?

Yes, as long as your local government has approved a 100%RE target or has a clear interest in exploring the 100%RE pathway for the jurisdiction. 

What is a 100%RE City or Region?

100%RE cities and regions are defined as local or regional governments that have set a political 100%RE target. This includes those that achieved this target, those that have exceeded this target by covering all their energy needs with RE and are exporting the excess RE generated, as well as those that have in place sound strategies to move towards achieving 100% of their energy requirements from renewable energy sources.

What is the relationship between ICLEI and the Global 100%RE Campaign?

Since November 2014, ICLEI has been an active member of the Global 100%RE Campaign, a multi-stakeholder initiative that unites renewable energy industry associations, research institutes and city networks. ICLEI currently chairs the Steering Group of the 100%RE Cities and Regions Network, composed of the city networks that are partners to the global campaign. Through this Steering Group, ICLEI and its partners aim to develop an annual work program for the network and monitor progress and impacts.

Have large cities set 100%RE targets at community scale?

Yes, examples of such leading cities include Vancouver, New York, Sydney, Malmö, Copenhagen, Stockholm, San Francisco, among others.

What is the relationship between the 100%RE Cities and Regions Network and the Global 100%RE Campaign?

The 100%RE Cities and Regions Network is a key component of the Global 100%RE Campaign. Its purpose is to bring together the leading cities that are driving transition towards 100%RE to create a community of practice and accelerate progress.

Activities of the 100%RE Cities and Regions Network are coordinated by a Steering Group that gathers all the city networks that are partners to the global campaign. ICLEI is currently the Chair of this Steering Group.

How can cities indicate their interest in the activities of the 100%RE Cities and Regions Network?

To join and engage in activities of the 100%RE Cities and Regions Network, cities can request, complete and return the form to 100re.network@remove-this.iclei.org) signaling the types of activities in which you wish to participate. Please note that there are commitment requirements associated with membership, namely, a 100% Renewable Energy (RE) target in at least one sector or clear interest in exploring the 100% RE pathway.

Why are local and regional governments setting ambitious RE targets?

• To secure energy supply and increase community resilience through local and  decentralized energy production
• Generate revenue from sales and export of clean and renewable energy
• Keep money in the local community through use of local resources
• Create local jobs and stimulate the local economy
• Save energy and money by reducing distribution losses and avoiding additional capacity to cover peak demand
• Reduce air pollution and health risks
• Reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to climate protection
• Promote sustainable urban development
• Support the achievement of national &international targets.

When was the ICLEI 100%RE Cities and Regions Network created?

ICLEI launched the concept of the 100%RE Cities and Regions Network at the ICLEI World Congress in April 2015, with the active engagement of the City of Vancouver, represented by Deputy-Mayor Andrea Reimer who was present at the time of launch. Further actions have since been taken to operationalize this thematic ICLEI community,such as defining an initial activities plan and inviting leading cities, towns and regions to join.

Why is ICLEI engaged in promoting the 100% RE transition?

The 100%RE Cities and Regions Network is not only part of the Global 100% RE Campaign but also part of ICLEI's 2015-2021Strategic Plan, which aims to support its members in becoming Low Carbon Cities by defining, adopting and embedding a low carbon development pathway into their development strategies. Specifically, the Strategic Plan calls for:

"Establishing and facilitating a global 100% Renewables Energy Cities network to raise the level of ambition for using (local) renewable energy, stimulating the green economy and addressing local resilience and low emission development."

ICLEI has long been engaged in supporting local governments around the globe in rolling out energy efficiency and renewable energy, addressing both the generation and use of RE in local development strategies. One key example is the Local Renewables Initiative, a precursor to the 100%RE activities.

By joining the 100%RE Cities and Regions Network, is my city joining a new organization or legal entity?

No, the 100%RE Cities and Regions Network is part of the Global 100%RE Campaign, and the entry poin for local governments are already existing city associations that are partners to the campaign such as ICLEI or Climate Alliance.

For ICLEI members in particular, the 100%RE Cities and Regions Network is ICLEI’s thematic on Renewable Energy. 

What role does the City of Vancouver have in the 100%RE Cities and Regions Network?

The City of Vancouver is one of the "City Ambassadors" of the 100%RE Cities and Regions Network. Through this position, the city demonstrates leadership in transitioning to 100% RE and inspires others to follow suit.

The City of Vancouver was selected for this role due to its clear commitment to renewable energy. In March 2015, the Vancouver City Council unanimous approved a 100% RE target, to be achieved at community-scale and for all sectors. In addition, Vancouver expressed interest in international cooperation and the creation of a community of practice to accelerate progress regarding renewable energy. ICLEI will continue to identify other local and regional leaders around the globe to take on such an ambassador role. 

What different types of 100% RE targets do cities, towns and regions set?

Local and subnational governments set 100% RE targets with different boundaries. Here are a few examples of approaches that can be taken:

• Local government operations – 100% RE targets can cover all local government operations, such as in Calgary, Canada and Turku, Finland or be activity-specific, for example covering the public transport fleet, such as is the case for Linköping and Uppsala (Sweden). 
• Community-scale - 100% RE targets can cover the entire community as a whole such as in Vancouver, Canada and Copenhagen, Denmark or cover specific sectors such as electricity, heating and cooling and transport. A 100%RE electricity target was set by Fukushima, Japan, San Francisco, USA and the Province of Siena, Italy.

What is the difference between a 100%RE target for the local government operations and a 100%RE target for the community?

A local government operations target applies to activities limited to the local government’s administrative operations, such as government owned buildings (e.g. administrative office buildings, social housing, schools, etc.), facilities (e.g. street lighting, waste and wastewater treatment plants) and fleets (e.g. waste collection fleet, bus fleet, other service-vehicle fleets).
A community target applies to activities occurring throughout your local government’s entire geographic area.

Is a 100%RE city automatically carbon-neutral or climate-neutral?

Not necessarily. The energy and transportation sectors are the largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions sources of many cities due to the combustion of fossil fuels. Eliminating the GHG emissions of these sectors is an important step for your city to become climate-neutral. However, there are other sources of GHG emissions such as land use change, industrial processes, and waste management practices. Therefore, being 100%RE is a key step but not enough to make your city climate-neutral.

Can nuclear energy be part of a 100%RE future?

No, nuclear energy is not renewable, though some sources consider it a low-carbon power source (if one does not consider the life-cycle emissions). Nuclear power should be excluded from the energy mix of any city, town or region that wishes to reach a 100% RE. From an "energy-safe city" perspective, nuclear energy it is not recommended.

My city does not have sufficient local renewable resources to cover its energy consumption; does this prevent my city from becoming 100%RE?

No. Your city may still cover its energy needs with 100% renewable energy through adequate policies and partnerships with other cities and regions that export energy of renewable origin. For example, the establishment of renewable electricity purchase aggregation agreements, renewable energy credits, or other market instruments can be used for this purpose, provided that those instruments are accompanied by the appropriate certificates that guarantee the same renewable attributes are not used as the basis of other claims or for regulatory compliance purposes. By doing so, your city is supporting the development of infrastructure and market for renewable energy.

Is energy recovered from municipal solid waste incineration considered to be renewable?

Only partially. Comingled municipal solid waste has components that derive from fossil-fuels (non-biomass) such as plastics and which are, therefore, not renewable. To estimate the fraction of renewable energy recovered from waste incineration, factors such as the fraction of non-biomass waste and the energy content of the different waste streams incinerated need to be considered.

Does a 100% RE strategy make sense for local governments in developing countries?

Yes, a 100%RE strategy does make sense for local governments in developing countries.

The implementation of decentralized renewable energy solutions can be an opportunity to increase access to clean, affordable and reliable energy. This is particularly relevant to people living in areas that do not have access to grid-supplied electricity, where improved access to energy can contribute significantly to improve their quality of life and stimulate economic development such as through:

Local economic value creation: off-grid electricity access for local producers and sellers of goods, possibility to preserve perishable goods before taking them to market, etc.;

• Employment: in energy production and work after sunset enabled by electricity; 
• Education: electric home lighting to do homework after dark; and
• Healthcare and other crucial infrastructure: hospitals critical services independent from fossil fuel prices and black-outs.

How does the 100% Renewable Energy Cities and Regions Network relate with the Compact of Mayors?

The Compact of Mayors (www.compactofmayors.org) is a global initiative which brings together mayors and city officials committing to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience to climate change and track their progress publicly.
Although there is no formal relation between the two initiatives, the participation of a city in the 100%RE Cities and Regions Network can be part of the city’s strategy to reach compliance with the Compact of Mayors in the long-term. Being part of the network will help the city build its capacity to enhance energy efficiency and the use of local renewable energy, contributing to reduce the city’s greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to local energy security, making the city more resilient to climate change.

How does the 100% Renewable Energy Cities and Regions Network relate with the Covenant of Mayors?

The Covenant of Mayors (www.covenantofmayors.eu) is a European movement involving local and regional authorities, voluntarily committing to increasing energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources on their territories. By their commitment, Covenant signatories aim to meet and exceed the European Union 20% CO2 reduction objective by 2020.
Although there is no formal relation between the two initiatives, the participation of a city in the 100%RE Cities and Regions Network can be part of the city’s strategy to reach its Covenant of Mayors’ greenhouse gas emissions reduction target in the long-term. Being part of the network will help the city build its capacity to enhance energy efficiency and the use of local renewable energy, contributing to reduce the city’s greenhouse gas emissions.