From renewables to circular economy: so much to learn and debate at Energy Cities’ annual forum!

For our 2025 Annual Forum (8, 9 & 10 April 2025), we will bring participants from all over Europe to our member Besançon, a lively French city who is deeply committed to advancing its transition towards climate neutrality.

We are putting together a very dynamic program, with plenty of occasions for urban practitioners and municipal representatives to network, learn from one another, and develop new ideas for future collaborations. You will meet many of our member cities, but also long-lasting partner organisations and urban experts.

Among other activities, you will be able to choose between five thematic journeys, to foster connections not only between cities but also with citizens, and come up with collective solutions to achieve fair, greener and healthier cities.

First journey: Engagement for cooperation

Cooperating with citizens and other local stakeholders, engaging them to develop projects, implies a change of attitude for the local authority and new participatory governance approaches. How can this be achieved? How can we draw on tried-and-tested methods?

Second journey: Innovative partnerships for a city “100% renewables”

Planning the large-scale deployment of renewable energies in urban environments (heat and electricity) also means inventing new modes of co-investment and partnerships that contribute to the well-being of residents, by reducing their energy bills and improving air quality. What types of collaborations are there? Which roles can municipalities have to foster such partnerships?

Third journey: Doing better with less 

Doing better with less means, for example, encouraging the re-use of materials and developing new training courses, engaging in low-tech, and limiting urban sprawl and massive overbuilding. How are cities integrating this way of thinking into their policies?

Fourth journey: Eating well, eating local

Food is a major cultural and social issue. It is much more connected to energy issues than you might think.  How can we build an agricultural and food policy that serves the health of residents? How can cities develop their green belts while preserving land?

Fifth journey: Adapting to climate change

Urban ecosystems are very sensitive to global warming: heat islands, rainwater runoff on highly artificial soils, degraded air quality, and more! These effects threaten the vital functions of urban areas, by destroying infrastructures and networks. How can local players anticipate and adapt?

Follow this space to discover the event programme in the coming weeks!

And what better place than Besançon to celebrate Energy Cities’ 35^th year of working with cities, for cities? If you want to understand what being part of our network means, have a look at the teaser below…And follow us on LinkedIn to learn more.