Accelerating renewable energy transitions in cities
Cities are decarbonising energy systems while expanding access to clean energy and creating local jobs
Energy from fossil fuels is the largest source of global greenhouse gas emissions, threatening cities’ ability to meet climate goals. At the same time, nearly 800 million people lack electricity and over 1 billion people live in urban informal settlements without basic energy services. Additionally, 2.8 billion people cannot cook safely with clean fuels.
Cities play a key role in energy procurement, infrastructure, and local policies. They can drive the adoption of renewable energy. Mayors can speed up renewable energy use through municipal energy buying, building codes, and partnerships. This also creates local jobs and improves energy access for underserved communities.
The C40 Renewable Energy Accelerator brings together 15 cities committed to maximising the use of renewable energy across their own municipal buildings, infrastructure, and operations. Together, they’re working towards full energy decarbonisation, helping to cut fossil fuel use in half. This effort also ensures universal energy access and could create about 5.5 million jobs by 2030.
Why cities are driving renewable energy adoption
Fossil fuel energy systems generate the majority of global greenhouse gas emissions
Energy from fossil fuels is the most significant source of global greenhouse gas emissions, directly threatening cities’ ability to meet Paris Agreement climate goals. Cities switching to renewable energy can achieve substantial emission reductions while improving local air quality and reducing health impacts from pollution.
Renewable energy investments create local jobs and economic development opportunities
An estimated 5.5 million good, green jobs would be created by 2030 through necessary renewable energy investments, with many opportunities for localised employment in installation, maintenance, and manufacturing. Cities prioritising renewable energy can capture these economic benefits while building resilient local energy sectors.
Energy access remains a critical equity challenge in urban areas
Many urban residents, especially those in informal settlements, lack reliable electricity and must rely on dangerous cooking fuels that harm their health. Cities can address these inequities through renewable energy programmes that prioritise underserved communities.
Renewable energy reduces dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets
Cities with local renewable energy sources are less exposed to price volatility and supply disruptions from global energy markets, improving long-term budget predictability and energy security. Municipal energy procurement through renewable contracts offers more stable, predictable costs for city operations.
Carbon pricing and fossil fuel regulations create financial risks for cities
Increasing carbon taxes, emissions regulations, and stranded asset risks make fossil fuel investments financially risky, while renewable energy offers more predictable long-term costs. Cities can avoid regulatory compliance costs and protect municipal budgets from fossil fuel market volatility.
What cities commit to through the C40 Renewable Energy Accelerator
Cities that join the C40 Renewable Energy Accelerator commit to leading municipal renewable energy adoption while choosing strategic pathways toward full energy system decarbonisation:
Lead by example: Municipal renewable energy by 2025-2030
Cities will switch municipal electricity consumption to 100% renewable energy by 2025 or deploy renewable energy systems on all feasible municipal assets
Choose a strategic pathway aligned with the city context and priorities
Cities will adopt one of three pathways:
Pathway 1
Accelerating renewable energy transition: Use 100% renewable electricity citywide by 2035 and fully decarbonised energy to cook, and heat and cool buildings within the city no later than 2050.
Pathway 2
Enabling energy access with renewables: Achieve universal access to reliable, sustainable and affordable electricity and clean cooking11 fuels and technologies by 2030 and use 100% renewable electricity citywide by 2050.
Pathway 3
Maximising local renewable energy: Deploy clean energy systems for electricity, heating, cooling and cooking to achieve 50% of the assessed feasible potential within the city by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
Cities committed to the C40 Renewable Energy Accelerator:
Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Lagos, Lisbon, London, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Montréal, Paris, San Francisco, Seoul, Sydney, Tokyo, Tshwane, Vancouver
How cities will deliver these commitments:
Cities will adopt clear roadmaps and strategies within two years, follow energy efficiency first principles, prioritise investments benefiting low-income and marginalised groups, champion decarbonised energy systems through public advocacy, implement ambitious policies and engage private sector partnerships, and publicly report annual progress toward goals.
Questions about the C40 Renewable Energy Accelerator?
Contact energy@c40.org for information on commitment requirements, implementation strategies, and participating cities.
Read more
Buildings are responsible for more emissions than you might think – 60% on average, and up to 80% in some cities. This means that the transition away from fossil fuels and into renewable energy and green buildings solutions must be an essential part of all climate action.
Cities are delivering climate action that creates employment, improves health, and addresses inequality rather than leaving people behind.
Discover how mayors and cities worldwide are delivering on their commitments to take urgent climate action through C40’s High-Impact Accelerators.
