100% renewable energy: From aspiration to a clear path forward

Imagine a world where all energy needs in a location are met by harnessing energy from the earth, water, wind, and sun all around us—sources that are clean, emit no pollution, and never run out, 24 hours per day, every day of the year. Would we not want to live in such a world? That is the ultimate vision of the 100% Renewables Cities and regions Roadmap project: An aspiration that has grown into a global movement, fostering sustainable energy solutions across cities and regions worldwide.

When we first embarked on this project, the world knew what needed to be done: transition to sustainable energy sources urgently. The how was however fraught with uncertainty: How would we mobilize the necessary resources and skills to implement such a gargantuan shift? The answer was to start local. Today, thanks to the collective efforts of local and regional governments, stakeholders, and our dedicated team, the vision of a 100% renewable energy future is no longer just an aspiration; it is a reality that is being actively pursued across the globe.

Therefore, I consider one of our greatest achievements to be the development of the 100% Renewables Roadmaps for Avellaneda in Argentina, Kisumu County in Kenya, and West Nusa Tenggara Province in Indonesia. Each of these cities and regions, with their unique contexts and challenges, worked with us to chart a realistic and tailored pathway towards 100% renewable energy by 2050. Launched at the ICLEI World Congress in São Paulo in June 2024, these roadmaps are a testament to what can be achieved when local and regional governments take the lead in the energy transition.

Planning for the local sustainable energy transition is of course a crucial first step, but it is at the implementation stage where many visionary plans falter. What sets the 100% Renewables Roadmap project apart is the support it provides not just to develop local strategies and associated capacities, but in helping develop energy projects that are ‘bankable’ (i.e., investment-ready). Avellaneda is in the process of developing a solar park in its industrial zone, Kisumu County is making its hospitals more energy efficient and powering them with renewables, while Mataram City in West Nusa Tenggara is solarizing its healthcare centers.

Realizing such a complex transition required hard work, but we found a way to make it fun. We leaned toward gamification to build capacity and impart knowledge in a dynamic, engaging, and enjoyable way. Our Sustainable Energy Transition Strategy serious game is a participatory tool that has brought together local and regional government officials and other relevant stakeholders, allowing them to explore different scenarios, strategies, and trade-offs in a simulated environment. This not only facilitated creative problem-solving, resulting in solutions that may not have arisen in more traditional formats; it also forged interpersonal connections and provided critical insights that are now being applied in real-world policymaking. The feedback we’ve received from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting how the game helped them better understand the complexities of the energy transition and the importance of collaborative decision-making.

Seeing the potential of the local 100% renewables transition, we decided to expand our work outside the project. Open to all interested cities and regions, the 100% Renewables Cities and Regions Network and Energy Compact have grown steadily to become a powerful coalition of governments committed to achieving 100% renewable energy. It has been heartening to see the enthusiasm and dedication of new members as they pledge to accelerate their energy transitions. Each new member strengthens the collective impact of the network, amplifying our message and our efforts to create a sustainable and resilient future.

In an effort to provide deep-dives into technology, policy, and finance solutions and approaches that are relevant to the local sustainable energy transition, we also launched our Energy Exchanges last year. They consisted in a number of virtual exchanges featuring experts on topics ranging from community energy projects to wastewater heating, from agrivoltaics to innovative financing mechanisms, allowing participants to exchange with them directly. 

The Energy Exchanges were a culmination of our efforts to create accessible, informative, and science-based knowledge products. Our factsheets and Solutions Package have been particularly well-received. These resources provide clear, concise information on renewable energy technologies, financing approaches, and policy options, making it easier for local governments to plan and implement their energy strategies. The case studies we have developed further illustrate the real-world application of these concepts, showcasing successful projects undertaken by pioneering cities and regions and offering lessons learned to others embarking on similar journeys.

As we reach the culmination of this transformative journey, I am reminded of the people who have made this journey possible. The success of the 100% Renewables Roadmap project shows the dedication and passion of ICLEI’s Sustainable Energy team and our colleagues in the ICLEI regional offices across Africa, Argentina, South America, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia, as well as the unwavering commitment of the local and regional governments and stakeholders who have partnered with us. The extraordinary passion that each city, region, and stakeholder brought to the table is something I have not often seen in my previous experiences. Moreover, such an endeavor would not even have been possible without the generous support and guidance from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), that has been funding the project through the International Climate Initiative (IKI).

While this project may be in its final phase, I strongly believe it can be a testament to how cities and regions can excel when they receive the support they need in charting their own pathway to 100% renewable energy. They have also shown how they can help lead the transition to sustainable energy sources, guiding their communities while contributing to national and international climate goals. Yet, most of them still need support. The tools, knowledge, and networks we have developed will continue to serve cities and regions, but our work to support them navigating the complexities of the energy transition is far from over.