This week we welcome Stephen Lorimer and Paul Voskuilen for a conversation about urban energy systems. Stephen works as manager for the Clean Energy Cities program at the Centre for Net Zero. He focuses on cities as accelerators of the energy transition through the building of future energy systems. Paul Voskuilen works as the programme developer Urban Energy at the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions. He is responsible for exploring, initiating and developing relevant energy projects in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area, connecting science, business and practice.
With global uncertainty in the energy market as a backdrop and winter approaching, we discuss challenges and opportunities for the future of urban energy systems. The global uncertainty and price increase might act as an accelerator for the transition towards renewable energy. How can cities seize the opportunity rather than solely suffering the consequences of the risks involved. Urban infrastructure, urban consumers and business models might not yet be ready for an accelerated shift towards new energy systems. So what advice do Stephen and Paul offer Mayor’s globally?