A global network helping cities transform how they generate and use energy
The Clean Energy Network supports cities to plan and implement ambitious low carbon energy programmes for electricity, heating and cooling that will help deliver net zero carbon buildings and renewable electricity supply by 2030.
As part of C40’s wider work on energy and buildings, the network brings cities together to take transformative action on wind, solar, geothermal, sustainable biomass and hydropower. The goal is to maximise emissions reductions and move away from fossil fuels while improving resilience and delivering social, economic and health benefits.
The network is complemented by a Clean Energy Technical Assistance Programme that supports cities in implementing ambitious actions aligned with Paris Agreement targets.
Core areas of action on clean energy in cities
100% clean energy targets and roadmaps
Planning and implementing ambitious citywide renewable energy plans aiming for 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% clean energy by 2050.
Large-scale clean energy generation
Generating or procuring energy from large installations inside or outside city boundaries, including aggregating demand from large energy consumers.
Building-scale clean energy generation
Deploying clean energy systems on municipal assets and incentivising decentralised production on private buildings through support mechanisms and regulatory action.
Decarbonising heating and cooling
Shifting residual heating and cooling demand to clean alternatives such as heat pumps and renewables-based district energy systems.
Equity and inclusion
Developing energy policies and programmes that advance social justice, create jobs and ensure benefits are equitably distributed.
Resilient energy systems
Improving security and reliability through microgrids, decentralised generation, clean fuels and battery storage, and integrating clean energy into municipal adaptation plans.
How the Clean Energy Network supports collaboration between cities
The network enables cities to:
- share policies and strategies on clean energy planning and implementation
- learn from cities already delivering results, including Vancouver which leads the network
- access technical assistance for implementing ambitious 1.5°C-aligned actions