Local Renewables is a series of events aimed to inform and mobilise many local governments and their partners about the potential of generating and using renewable energy at the local level, and how to best set-up and implement related policies.

The series began in June 2007 in Freiburg, Germany focusing on "Powerful local action for secure and sustainable energy in Europe".  The series is now expanding in two directions: annual conferences hosted in Freiburg, Germany, and additional events hosted in other localities- in order to reach out to as many local actors as possible.

Upcoming events

• Local Renewables Freiburg 2009
  This international conference will be held from the 27-29th of April 2009.

• Local Renewables in San Francisco
  July 2009 in California, USA.

• Local Renewables Freiburg 2010

Past events

Local Renewables 2007 took place from the 13-15th of June 2007 in Freiburg, Germany. Outcomes included, among others, the Freiburg Outreach and the eight key arguments for why local governments should implement renewable energy in their jurisdictions.

How to become a host city

Please approach ICLEI's International Training Centre if you are interested in becoming a host city or partner for a national or regional "Local Renewables" conference though email at: local.renewables@iclei.org.

Since 2005, ICLEI has taken on the topic of renewable energy in cities as a special initiative in its work. Local renewable energy is the engagement of local governments, such as cities and towns, and local actors, such as citizens and businesses, in the generation and supply of sustainable energy in the urban environment. Both renewable energy and energy efficiency, and the roles and responsibilities of local governments, are a driving force for innovation and investment in their communities.

The Local Renewables Initiative brings together model cities from across the globe, and ICLEI in particular has offered its expertise in helping cities in India and Brazil bring renewable energy policy and implementation into core city activities. In addition to Freiburg, Germany other model communities include:

• Betim, Brazil
• Bhubaneswar, India
• Bonn, Germany
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Coimbatore, India
• Malmö, Sweden
• Milan, Italy
• Nagpur, India
• Växjö, Sweden