This event is from 2:00pm to 5:00pm CAT/CEST.
Click here for the PDF invitation
An online workshop for experts working on/with issues on energy transitions, positive energy districts and renewable energy in Africa
Africa and Europe share the challenge of systemic transformation towards a sustainable, fossil-free future. However, pre-conditions on the two continents – as well as between different regions of the continents – differ greatly. A just energy transition needs to explore regional particularities in terms of natural, technological, social, economic or cultural resources and develop solutions building on these.
Europe has set itself the ambitious goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2040 and puts a strong focus on urban areas with initiatives like theMission on Climate-neutral and Smart Cities or the New European Bauhaus. With good reason: Urban areas are pivotal spaces for change toward achieving climate mitigation targets, decarbonisation and energy transitions. They consume more than two-thirds of the world’s energy and account for more than 70% of global CO2 emissions – moreover, cities, as hubs of communication, commerce and culture also provide key resources for materialising sustainable solution pathways. However, systemic change can only happen when considering the symbiotic connection between urban and rural areas, a future energy system will build on an efficient exchange between cities and regions.
Africa accounts for only 3.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The lack of access to an affordable energy supply is a key threat to a just energy transition. Half of Africa’s total population, i.e. 548 million people were without access to electricity in 2018 (The Renewable Energy Transition in Africa: Powering Access, Resilience and Prosperity, IRENA, 2021).
This workshop brings together experts and urban actors across Africa to discuss and exchange on how (urban) energy transitions in Africa can contribute to just, livable and sustainable futures. Additionally, the pathways how to arrive at the envisioned futures will be discussed.
What you can expect from the workshop
- Exchange with peers and experts on energy challenges and transforming urban energy systems in African cities, including in-depth exploration of positive energy districts.
- Co-creation: engage in interactive exercises to jointly reflect on the roles of diverse urban actors in energy transitions.
- Collaborating: on a collaborative publication at the end of the workshop series.
- Networking: You are welcome to connect to the AGORA community, the network of urban actors maintained by JPI Urban Europe.
Aim of Workshop
- Identify the most pressing issues, challenges and dilemmas for energy transitions in African cities overall. Find access points to jointly address those issues, challenges and dilemmas in cooperation schemes.
- Exchange on opportunities for international stakeholders to continue the dialogue and engagement.
About the Organisers
JPI Urban Europe is the knowledge hub for urban transitions, an intergovernmental and strategic partnership of countries addressing the challenge of sustainable urban development through coordinated research and innovation. Currently, Driving Urban Transitions (DUT), a partnership programme between Member States and the European Commission for the years 2022-2028 is in its final stage of development. As sustainable urbanization is a global issue, with global policy references, international cooperation plays an important role in DUT.
START was founded in 1992 to strengthen capacities for global environmental change science in Africa and Asia that addresses critical sustainability challenges. The programs and partnerships provide opportunities for training, research, education and networking that strengthen scientific skills and inspire leadership. START is a core international partner of the United States Global Change Research Program and works closely with universities and research institutes in Africa and Asia, as well as with multilateral agencies, governments and non-governmental organizations.
ICLEI Africa connects leaders, accelerates action and provides a gateway to solutions through capacity building, projects on the ground and policy influence. ICLEI is an international non-governmental organization that promotes sustainable development. ICLEI provides technical consulting to local governments to meet sustainability objectives.