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Roadmap
Get Inspired
Imagine...
A world where every city is powered entirely by clean, renewable energy. A world where urban centres, once the largest consumers of fossil fuels, become self-sustaining hubs of green energy innovation, resilience, and economic prosperity.
We challenge policymakers worldwide to commit to a transformational goal: achieving 100% renewable energy for all major cities by 2040.
Sign the pledge now and get a custom roadmap for your city. #NetZeroCities2040
70%
What cities contribute to global emissions.
IT'S TIME TO CHANGE
It's Urgent
6.7 million
People die each year because of air pollution
It's Urgent
40%
Lower healthcare costs in cities powered by 100% renewable energy
It's Urgent
$420 billion
The drop in electricity bills globally in 2022 because of lower cost renewable energy sources added to capacity that year
It's Urgent
20%
How much energy emissions from gas contributes to global CO2
It's Urgent
121,100
Pre-term births that can be avoided if coal use is eradicated from cities
It's Urgent
The Challenge
Cities are the engines of the global economy, but they also produce over 70% of the world’s carbon emissions because of the use of fossil fuels. Without urgent action, rising temperatures, air pollution, and extreme weather will make urban living unsustainable.
Cities that lead the transition to 100% renewable energy by 2040 are future-proofing their economies, attract investment, and create a healthier, more equitable world.
Work with businesses, researchers, and communities to transition to net-zero urban. The challenge is bold, but the stakes are high.
The time to act is now.
Policy Innovations Needed
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Invest In Green Urban Planning: solar, wind, and hydroelectricity infrastructure.
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Invest In Energy Storage: large-scale batteries and hydrogen storage for green power availability.
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Decentralise Power Grids: Empower local communities to generate and share renewable energy through smart microgrids.
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Provide Incentives: Tax credits, subsidies, and financial incentives for green energy adoption.
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Fossil Fuel Divestment & Phase-Out: Have clear timelines for cities to end coal, oil, and gas reliance.
The Pay-Off
We must avoid climate catastrophe. But if we rise to the challenge, the pay-off is also economic opportunity, energy security, and public health. Cities will have lower air pollution, reduced energy costs, and booming green industries that create jobs.
Cities that embrace the challenge will lead the way in shaping the next century.
LET'S CHANGE THE FUTURE. Join the challenge to zero fossil fuels.
Track The Change
Track cities around the world to see how they are joining the challenge.
Energy Tracker
See a live map to track renewable energy projects, progress and commitments by cities around the world
Phase 1: 2025-2030
Transition all municipal operations to renewables
Phase 2: 2030-2035
Electrify transport, phase out fossil fuel cars
Phase 3: 2035-2040
Fully renewable-powered city grids
Key Milestone:
All Municipal Operations on Renewables by 2030
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All municipal operations powered with 100% renewable electricity by 2030.
Key Milestone:
Fully Renewable-Powered Cities by 2040
Key Milestone:
Net-Zero Urban Transport by 2035
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Transition public transport fleets, taxis, and shared mobility services to 100% electric or renewable-fuel alternatives.
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Implement smart infrastructure for efficient energy use.
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All sectors - residential, commercial, and industrial - run on renewable energy.
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No more fossil fuels for urban energy grids.
Resources
Find research, real-world case studies and information on how to reach 100% renewable power in our cities.
Success Stories - Meet The Future: Cities Leading The Way
Success Stories - Case Studies: How Other Cities Are Doing It
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Energy Tracker
Get Inspired
HOW TO JOIN THE CHALLENGE
Start With Solar & Wind Targets
A Guide To Defining Solar & Wind Targets For Policymakers.
Read more
Electrify Public Transport
How To Design Subsidised Electrified Public Transit
Read more
Pass Pro-Renewable
Policies & Incentives
A Complete Guide To Pro-renewable policies around the worlds and creating incentives.
Read more
In this section we'll have:
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Live tweets, posts, and discussions on #RenewableCities2040
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Testimonials from city mayors, business leaders, and activists
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Real-Time Social Media Wall (Live Engagement Tracker)
Join the Conversation
Auto-generates a tweet:"My city is joining the #RenewableCities2040 challenge! Let's make urban energy 100% clean. Join us: [Link]"
Success Stories: NET-ZERO LEADERS
Case Studies - How Other Cities Are Doing It
Meet Berlin's policymakers:
The Mayor
Kai Wegler
Stream The Interview
Meet Johannesburg's policymakers
Read The Interview
Success Stories: NET-ZERO LEADERS
Meet The Future
Copenhagen is a leader in renewable energy, aiming to become a carbon-neutral city by 2025, with projects focusing on wind power (both onshore and offshore), solar energy, biomass, and biogas from sewage sludge.
San Diego is actively pursuing renewable energy projects in solar, storage, and microgrid solutions, aiming for a cleaner energy future.
Seoul is set to produce 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. According to the Plan, The Korean Government will depoly eco-environment with low-carbon energy and govern energy system adapting to the new climate regime.
Meet The Future:
Copenhagen
Meet The Future:
San Diego
Meet The Future:
Seoul
What Does It Cost?
Explore this, and other questions. Find tailored solutions for your city's unique challenges by connecting with us.
Funding
How Cities Can Fund Net-Zero Initiatives
This is an introduction to different funding options available to governments.