On 10 October 2025, the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Vienna will host the workshop “Towards a Sustainable Clean Energy Transition in Cities: Technical and Societal Perspectives”. Jointly organized by the EERA Joint Programmes e3s and Smart Cities, the event will bring together experts to explore the complex interplay between technology, society, and governance in shaping sustainable urban energy futures.

Across Europe, cities are playing a central role in driving the transition toward climate neutrality and long-term sustainability. Supported by flagship EU initiatives such as the European Green Deal, the New European Bauhaus, and the Horizon Europe Mission for 100 Climate-Neutral Cities by 2030, urban areas are becoming key testbeds for systemic innovation in energy, mobility, governance, and the built environment.

However, with cities accounting for around 75% of global energy use and 70% of greenhouse gas emissions, the path to a clean energy future is complex. Urban environments face intertwined technical, social, and governance challenges—from aging infrastructure and limited space to socio-economic inequalities and fragmented policy frameworks.

The workshop "Towards a Sustainable Clean Energy Transition in Cities: Technical and Societal Perspectives" offers a platform to explore these challenges and opportunities through an interdisciplinary lens. By fostering dialogue between the energy sector, urban planners, and the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) communities, the workshop aims to build a shared understanding of the systemic changes needed. It highlights the importance of integrating technological innovation with social inclusion to co-create actionable, equitable, and scalable solutions for cities across Europe.