URBAN ENERGY

Citizens of Europe need energy to move around, be safe and to live their daily lives. As cities expand, so does the demand for energy. Urban energy is required for everything from providing citizens with water, heating and cooling, to other community functions such as powering homes, electrical vehicles, traffic control systems and communications.

Countless changes in the way people, cities and industries use energy, putting pressure on cities, citizens and the environment and also influencing the way we develop urban areas. The theme Urban Energy, describing various facts of sustainable urban development about energy usage, renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Did you know..? Just one wind turbine can generate enough electricity to power 1,400 homes. Wind energy is a limitless renewable resource: regardless how much is used today, there will be more available tomorrow.

13% of the global population still lacks access to modern, reliable electricity supply.

Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, now generate almost a third of the UK’s electricity.

Energy is the dominant contributor to climate change, accounting for around 60 per cent of total global greenhouse gas emissions.

Is it possible to run solely on renewable energy sources? Costa Rica has run on 100% renewable energy for 300 days.

ENERGY TRANSITION: HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE?

The report “Energy Transition: How Can You Contribute?” studies the factors that can effectuate real change in energy consumers’ contribution to the energy transition. In this Urban Insight report Sweco experts team up with scientists to reveal how you can support the energy transition in your daily life.

BEYOND THE TIPPING POINT: FUTURE ENERGY STORAGE

To limit global warming to below 2°C energy storage capacity needs triple by 2050. Today, only 3 percent of the power capacity is being stored. The report Beyond the Tipping Point: Future Energy Storage explores opportunities associated with energy storage, its role in climate change mitigation, and how misconceptions affect the implementation of new technologies.

RACE TO ELECTRIFICATION – NORWAY IN POLE POSITION

The report “Race to Electrification – Norway in Pole Position” analyses the measures required to achieve 100 per cent electrification. The report identifies several possible measures for electrifying the transport, building and industry sectors and summarises the costs and benefits of electrification, using the ongoing electrification in Norway for illustrative purposes.

REDUCE, REUSE AND REIMAGINE – SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN THE CITY

The report “Reduce, re-use and reimagine – sustainable energy consumption in the city” explores how different techniques can be applied to re-use energy, minimising emissions and waste.

THE LIMITS TO RENEWABLE ENERGY

What would a world with a 100 per cent renewable energy mix look like? And which are the limits to integrate renewable energy? The Urban Insight report The Limits to Renewable Energy explores the use of renewables today and the obstacles for further expansion.

ELECTRICITY: HOW LONG COULD WE SURVIVE WITHOUT IT?

The report Electricity: how long could we survive without it? explores how our cities would be affected by long power outages and how vulnerability to power failures can be reduced.