IEA Cities Task 2 – Data for Urban Energy Planning

Cities are central to the global energy transition: They consume 60–80 % of the energy produced worldwide and contribute significantly to CO₂ emissions. Despite their crucial role, many cities lack the necessary resources and competencies to address the complex demands of a data-driven energy transition. The IEA Cities Task 2 project, Data for Urban Energy Planning, addresses this challenge by supporting cities and municipalities in designing their planning processes to be data-driven, efficient, and forward-looking.

The project brings together international expertise to provide innovative methods, tools, and best-practice examples that help cities make informed decisions about their energy future. It covers the full spectrum of urban energy planning, from heating solutions and mobility systems to social challenges such as energy poverty. The focus is on practical applications already being implemented or tested as pilot projects. This creates a dynamic exchange between research, administration, and practice, enabling cities to address their specific challenges sustainably.

A particular emphasis is placed on the practical usability of results: municipalities receive clear recommendations, training materials, and access to tools they can directly integrate into their planning processes. At the same time, the project fosters extensive knowledge transfer through the involvement of international partners, enabling cities to learn from each other.