100% Renewable Energy Targets in Cities (as of mid-2019)

Renewable energy is growing at a rapid pace. The International Energy Agency found that solar, wind and hydropower projects are rolling out at their fastest rate in four years. Cities will be key in implementing the growth of renewable energy. Municipalities around the globe are identifying targets for renewable energy conversion.

As of mid-2019, more than 250 cities worldwide have committed to a total of 370 renewable energy targets, according to a report from global renewable energy community Ren 21. Just nine years ago, cities only targeted a grand total of six 100% renewable projects. The targets — in either power, heating and cooling, transport, or other sectors — aim to be met by 2020 to 2050.

In the United States, several cities have already transitioned to 100% renewable power, including Aspen, CO, Burlington, VT and Greensburg, KS. The success is fueling even bolder initiatives. Portland, the first American city to adopt a Climate Action Plan in 1993, has committed to sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035 and to meeting its total final energy demand in all sectors with renewables by 2050.

While New York City’s plans are less radical, they are no less ambitious. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, signed into law by Governor Cuomo, sets a goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions across the entire state by 2050. Committing to renewable energy will be a crucial part of meeting those goals.

Read the full report: https://www.ren21.net/reports/cities-global-status-report/