European cities are advancing at rapid pace in the field of renewable energies and urban electric mobility. These are innovative and smart technologies that can contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency. Their intelligent integration into energy and mobility system is of high priority in our urban ecosystem.

European context

On 23 October 2014, the European Council agreed on the “2030 climate and energy framework” containing the new EU-wide targets and policy objectives for the period between 2020 and 2030.The framework proposes the following targets for 2030:

• 40% greenhouse gas reduction relative to 1990 levels
• at least 27% of EU energy consumption from renewables
• 27% improvement in energy efficiency

With these objectives in mind, a major trend becomes even more necessary: the decarbonisation of the energy and mobility sector.

Urban context

Cities are the main energy consumers, but also offer the greatest opportunities for change. Two of the most important technologies that are gaining momentum in European cities are electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energies. Both technologies offer great potential for climate change mitigation but do come with limitations. Solar energy production peaks at noon, when demand is low. EVs are mainly charged after working hours, precisely at the period of maximum demand, when the solar energy generation is much lower. This inconsistency leads to inefficient use of urban renewable energies, and a large dependence on the national energy mix, which is more CO2 intensive.