As cities increasingly lead the way in the energy transition, there is a growing need to assess how investments in renewable energy and decentralized systems create economic, environmental and social value at the local scale. This track explores the valuation, financing and policy dimensions of urban energy systems, focusing on how market mechanisms, financial models, and spatial-economic tools can support evidence-based decision making and foster sustainable local development.
Key topics include the economic appraisal of urban energy projects (including CAPEX/OPEX analysis, CBA, and risk assessment), the role of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) in value generation and place-based innovation, and the integration of decision support systems (DSS) and agent-based models to evaluate policy scenarios and market design. By examining the financial and macroeconomic benefits of urban energy projects, this track aims to provide insights into how local economies can support the transition to sustainable energy systems.
Particular attention is also given to real estate market dynamics, property value impacts, and the role of sector coupling and smart grids in enhancing the territorial capital and resilience of urban systems.
We welcome contributions on topics including:
Economic evaluation of urban energy projects: cost-benefit, multi-criteria, and real option analyses.
The role of RECs in urban regeneration and value creation.
Financial innovation for local energy investments: business models and risk-sharing mechanisms.
Market design and local energy exchanges: peer-to-peer, community self-consumption, transactive energy.
Sector coupling and demand-side management in urban energy planning.
Modelling tools for energy policy and investment decision-making: from engineering to agent-based approaches.
Impacts of green investments on real estate markets and property values.
Environmental and economic co-benefits: air quality, job creation, value-added, and social return on investment.
Integration of smart grids with urban development strategies.
Policy and regulatory frameworks to enhance local energy resilience and efficiency.
Innovative aspects
Interaction of classic macroeconomic/microeconomic frameworks with policy-based decision-support systems and tools for comprehensive energy assessments.
Innovative financial schemes and business model innovation to enhance local development and competitiveness.
The impact of demand-side flexibility within energy markets and their contribution to the acceleration of local RECs uptake.