New podcast series: Are Energy Positive Futures Possible?

Produced within the framework of the JUST PEPP project, where Climate Alliance is a partner, the series brings together researchers, practitioners, and policy experts to discuss how cities can accelerate the energy transition in ways that are socially just and citizen-centred. The podcast highlights not only the technical aspects of PEDs, but also their broader social, economic, and governance dimensions, including their potential to reduce energy costs, tackle energy poverty, strengthen local economies, and improve citizens’ well-being.

The first three episodes have already been published:

• The first episode, Positive Energy Districts Fundamentals, introduces listeners to the origins and evolving definition of PEDs. The discussion features Christoph Gollner, coordinator for the Positive Energy Districts Transition Pathway of the Driving Urban Transitions Partnership and representative of JPI Urban Europe, alongside Sophie Marie Ertelt research fellow and assistant professor at the Örebro University. Together, they reflect on the flexibility of the PED concept and the essential role citizens and local stakeholders play in shaping sustainable urban futures.

• Episode two, Positive Energy Districts in Historic Cities: Can Heritage and PEDs Coexist?, turns to the challenges of implementing energy-positive solutions in cities with protected historical areas. Nuno Mateus, project manager of the POCITYF project, discuss how municipalities can balance innovation with heritage preservation. The episode explores practical experiences from historic cities, underlining the importance of citizen engagement and local governance in achieving successful energy transitions.
• The third episode focuses on one of the most pressing social dimensions of the transition: energy and transport poverty. Pedro Homem de Gouveia Senior Policy Advisor, Safety & Security and Governance & Integration Cluster Lead at the POLIS network and Vojtech Klezl Associate Professor at Inland Norway University and Senior Lecturer at the Örebro University, examine how rising energy and mobility costs can deepen social inequalities and limit access to essential services.

The podcast series is part of the JUST PEPP project, a European initiative under the Driving Urban Transitions programme dedicated to ensuring that Positive Energy Districts are inclusive and beneficial for all residents, particularly those living in disadvantaged areas. Listeners can explore all existing and upcoming episodes on the JUST PEPP website and on Spotify.