Session

The transformation of our energy systems is imperative to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. However, converting to more decentralized energy systems, integrating diverse energy sources and increasing the share of renewables, require the involvement and coordination of actions of different levels of the governing bodies, different organizations (from public and private sector, for- and non-profit, and civil society organizations) and experts with different competencies (technical, financial, and regulatory, among others). Leadership and stakeholder collaboration therefore become central for the development of solutions. Leadership can occur at different levels (e. g., institutional and operational) and is exercised through different roles (e. g., interpersonal, informational, and decisional). While organizations have different motivations for leading or joining Energy Transition initiatives, their involvement must be anchored with their internal goals and must be designed so that it harmonizes with their existing practices, structures, and activities. Cities contribute largely to emissions. At the same time, they also have opportunities to decrease energy consumption, for example, by increasing energy efficiency. Integration between urban and energy planning is deemed as important. Due to the complexity of the problems to be solved and solution to be developed, municipalities must adopt a more innovative approach and look for collaboration with partners also outside the organization developing new partnership solutions. Municipalities need to re-think their practices within and outside the organization. New tools and methods for planning and collaborating are needed to support practitioners. Processes need to be re-designed to allow for collaborative innovation practice. Planning sustainable neighbourhoods (such as Zero Emissions Neighbourhoods, Positive Energy Districts) is an example of complex projects for the energy transition that involves a diverse constellation of stakeholders and that calls for changes in the roles of organizations and their relations. Energy Communities (ECs) are emerging actors in the Energy sector and represent a new solution for shifting paradigms of power to support a Just Energy Transition: innovative ways of involving, motivating and organizing shareholders are paramount for the success of these organizations. Industry, and in particular small companies, may also take on an active leading role in the Energy Transition and transform this into market opportunities. Some of the questions we would like to address through the session regard: How do organizations lead the Energy Transition? What contributions can organizations bring to the Energy Transition? What changes are organizations undertaking to adapt and support Energy Transitions? What forms of involvement can guarantee effective collaborations?