by Brianna Crandall — July 4, 2011—Speaking to 500 representatives of cities, business, the financial sector and research institutions at a high-level conference in Brussels, EU Commissioner for Energy Gnther Oettinger on June 22 launched the EU’s new Smart Cities and Communities Initiative, the EU’s program for the energy-efficient cities of tomorrow.
“The time is right for smart cities and communities: Cities and industry partners are eager to develop integrated sustainable solutions that offer clean, secure and affordable energy to citizens, reduce consumption and create new markets–in Europe and beyond. With the Smart Cities and Communities Initiative, the EU is kickstarting these new markets with an initial funding of EUR 80 million to support innovataive model projects in selected European cities.” Commissioner Oettinger explained at the launch.
Oettinger added, “Cities are key to the EU’s objectives of 20 percent energy saving by 2020 and to developing a low-carbon economy by 2050, because 70 percent of the EU’s energy is consumed in cities. They have a huge potential for energy saving through smarter use of resources and intelligent technology integration.”
A call for proposals will be opened on July 19 and run through December 1, enabling teams of cities and industry partners to apply for EU-funding in the fields of integrative management of urban energy flows that also include transport, water and waste solutions. Further calls under the initiative will address buildings and heating and cooling systems. The projects are expected to start in summer 2012.
