Smart Cities Round Up - 24 JANUARY 2025
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Cities across the globe are embracing innovation and progressive strategies to combat climate change, drive sustainability, and enhance resilience. This week on SmartCitiesWorld , we've covered a range of initiatives that demonstrate how local governments and their wider ecosystem partners are innovating through technology and policy as part of the green switch.
In the UK, the nation’s first smart electricity substation has been installed in Maidstone, Kent, as part of UK Power Networks ’ Constellation trial. Equipped with advanced computing power, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, the substation is “ready to talk” to other sites, analyse power flows, and redistribute energy to where it is most needed during peak times. This next-generation digital infrastructure will enable more distributed generators to connect to the grid, supporting the transition to net zero carbon emissions by optimising energy use and integrating renewable sources across Southeast England.
Meanwhile, Germany is daring to be bold with the construction of its first 100 per cent ‘Zero Bills’ neighbourhood in Schramberg, Baden-Württemberg. Enabled by Octopus Energy , this development of 24 homes will be powered entirely by green technology, including solar panels, heat pumps, and battery storage. Residents are promised zero energy bills for at least six years, providing both financial relief and environmental benefits. Construction is set to commence shortly, with the first residents expected by the end of 2025, further demonstrating Germany’s commitment to decarbonising its housing sector.
Back in the UK, the City of London Corporation is spearheading sustainable development with the launch of its Planning for Sustainability Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). Approved by the City’s Planning and Transportation Committee, the SPD aims to help the Square Mile achieve net zero by 2040, strengthen climate resilience, and champion sustainable economic growth. Developed in consultation with the public and industry experts, the guidance will support cutting-edge sustainable building practices and is set to be adopted in the coming weeks.
Initiatives like these are pushing meaningful climate action and resilience forward around the world. At SmartCitiesWorld , we've always been focused on sharing ideas that solve urban challenges. With climate and resilience issues now impacting more cities daily, our Cities Climate Action Campaign for 2025 is designed to support cities in overcoming the most urgent and dynamic challenge of our time. To find out more about the Campaign, what we have planned, and how to get involved, click?here.
Luke Antoniou , Senior editor, SmartCitiesWorld
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