Groningen has been chosen to join a European Union initiative which aims to create 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030. The mission is an EU-funded program that includes technical and financial support over 10 years. The 100 cities involved in the project will be able to bid for funding out of a pot of €360m to support climate innovation.
Engaging in this European initiative provides the opportunity for Groningen to be at the forefront of the transition toward climate neutrality and the fight against climate change. The city has been selected from 377 entries and is one of the 7 Dutch cities participating in the European program.
On May 10 and11, at Nordic Edge Expo 2022 in Stavanger, Norway, delegates from the selected northern European cities will meet for the very first time to discuss how to set up collaboration between the cities to share knowledge and support when facing the same challenges, and what concrete measures are required at a local, national, and Nordic level to reach the climate objectives.
The conference program, among others, will include the following presentations:
- EU Commission: What changes must be made to accomplish European Green Deal?
- International Energy Agency: The energy situation in Europe – where do we go from here?
- Panel debate: 112 climate neutral cities – how do we succeed?
Pieter Faber, Head of EU Office, Cities Northern Netherlands will take part in a panel debate on climate neutral cities to discuss how a net zero future can be achieved.
Groningen, along with other Dutch participants of the project, will receive tailor-made advice, assistance and additional financing opportunities to address such crucial areas as urban planning, climate-neutral designs, sustainable transport methods and renewable energy.
