The City of Freiburg (Germany) and ICLEI, in cooperation with the City of Basel (Switzerland), will gather once more an experienced and knowledgeable group of policy-makers, energy experts, researchers and business representatives during the 7th Local Renewables Conference – Energising the Smart City and Region, which takes place from 26 – 28 October 2016.

Following the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21), there has been a clear consensus to move towards a lower-carbon and more efficient energy system. This consensus comes aimd a backdrop of rising global energy needs, with energy demand set to increase by 40 percent by 2030. Cities and regions must find innovative ways to meet the energy demand whilst responding to citizens‘ needs. Cities and regions also play a key role in meeting the EU Energy Union goals. Smart technologies could play a significant part in meeting such demands, but will smart cities also drive sustainable cities?

Experts such as Claude Turmes, Member of the European Parliament as part of the European Greens and Rapporteur on the 2008 Draft EU Renewables Directive, and Professor Dirk Helbing, one of the authors of the Digital Manifesto, have been invited to join the three-day conference programme. To join the discussion, register online. The latest news is available on Twitter: @LR_Series

For more information, visit the conference website or contact lr2016@iclei.org.