Insights on Boosting the Resilience of Our Regions, Cities, and Towns

With climate impacts growing more severe—from droughts to heatwaves—our regions, cities and towns must adapt. That was an essential message of a recent panel I had the honour to be part, where it was discussed the role energy agencies such as ADENE are having on local adaptation and a just energy transition.

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Whether dealing with the water-energy nexus in general or promoting multi-level governance through regulating decentralized electricity generation solutions, it is obvious that sustainable solutions must be deployed everywhere.

1. The Role of Energy Agencies in Adaptation and Drought Mitigation

Energy agencies, traditionally focused on energy matters, now recognise the intricate link between energy demand and natural resources such as water, since a significant portion of energy use involves water, particularly in activities like heating and industrial process. The need for an holistic resource management approach is critical

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At ADENE – The National Energy Agency of Portugal, this nexus is a priority. As the national coordinator of the Covenant of Mayors in Portugal, we support cities in building more sustainable futures and our work in drought mitigation spins around two main areas:

• Demand-side management: We developed the AQUA+ water efficiency rating system, which assists local policy creation and helps water-intensive industries, such as hotels, monitor and reduce water consumption;
• National planning: We contributed to the review of the National Plan for the Efficient Use of Water, highlighting measures that save both water and energy, particularly in drought-prone regions like the Mediterranean.

2. Promoting a Just Energy Transition and Mitigating Climate Risks

ADENE is committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive energy transition, which is reflected in the development of Citizen Energy Spots—one-stop shops for energy and water efficiency. These spaces provide local citizens, especially vulnerable populations, with support in making their homes more resilient to climate impacts such as heatwaves.

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By focusing on thermal insulation and energy efficiency, ADENE aims to reduce energy poverty, lower energy bills, and improve health and quality of life. This approach ensures that the benefits of energy transition reach everyone, particularly the most vulnerable, while contributing to overall climate resilience.

3. Multi-level Governance and Local Climate Action

As the national coordinator of the Covenant of Mayors in Portugal, ADENE work to ensure that local governments’ voices and needs are heard at both the national and European levels. Multi-level governance is essential for ensuring that climate policies are aligned with local priorities.

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ADENE is also collaborating with other European national energy agencies through the European Energy Network (EnR) to explore how national agencies can better support local climate action. By fostering communication between municipalities and higher levels of government, is helping to build more effective and coherent responses to energy and climate challenges.

4. Conclusion & Call to Action:

Building the resilience of our regions, cities, and towns requires concrete actions and partnerships across all levels of governance. To make a real difference, we need to:

• Support local climate action by strengthening partnerships between national and local governments, ensuring resources are directed where they are needed most.
• Promote the water-energy nexus in planning and development, using tools like AQUA+ to drive both water and energy efficiency.
• Expand Citizen Energy Spaces to provide more communities with the tools they need to improve energy efficiency, cut costs, and build climate resilience.

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It’s time for all of us—governments, businesses, and citizens alike—to come together and take practical steps toward a more resilient future. Let’s ensure that no one is left behind as we work to create a just, sustainable, and resilient energy system for all.

Article based on participation in the plenary session “Boosting the resilience of our regions, cities & towns” on the second day of CAIC24 | Climate Alliance International Conference

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