Local Renewables 2014 - Regional development through energy transition

Practical guidance on efficiently utilising renewable energy resources - this is the focus of the Conference Local Renewables 2014, Regional development through energy transition.

The City of Freiburg, the City of Lörrach and ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to all attendees and speakers who joined the Local Renewables Conference 2014, held from 22-24 October in the cities of Freiburg and Lörrach (Germany).  Your enthusiasm and contribution to this important event was greatly appreciated, allowing us to continue being the international hub for advancing the agenda of renewable energy among policy-makers from various levels of government, energy experts, energy services providers, researchers and business representatives.

The organisers would also like to thank the conference sponsors, partners and endorsers;  through their support they made this conference happen.

The ongoing economic crisis, growing energy instability and resource scarcity call for a shift to sustainable economies. The Local Renewables Conference 2014 addressed the key role of local and regional governments and the importance of renewable energy and improvement of energy efficiency in this shift.

Cities are increasingly looking into making best use of the available resources within their region and move beyond mere consumption to replenishment and even production of energy resources.

During the three-day conference, participants and speakers had the opportunity to:

  • exchange on how cities and regions can optimise collaboration with local stakeholders such  as business, civil society and academia;

  • evaluate the potential of technological innovations and integration including e.g. solar cooling, waste-to-energy and water-food-energy nexus solutions, and

  • analyse cost-benefits and financing options (public and private sources) for local action, and ways of developing meaningful financial partnerships.