ACCESS

Looking ahead to 2020

03 February 2020 - Published by Sophie Rabasch

A COMMON GOAL
At the heart of the ACCESS project is the idea that no single organisation or city has the expertise or ability to experiment with the vast range of technologies and strategies needed as part of the energy transition. While the partner cities are working to meet their individual targets, the technologies and solutions they are testing could be useful for cities across Europe. 

By sharing not only the results, but also the journey, the ACCESS partners want to support other cities in their transition. 

LOOKING AHEAD
Over the coming months, there's a lot to look forward to. After a feasibility study, the city of Mechelen will find and partner up with experts to start work on its smart energy mobility hub, as part of its plan for sustainable growth. This mobility hub will be so much more than a parking lot, offering retail and office space, connecting locals and visitors with the city centre. 

For the first half of the year, the parking company in Malmö is procuring construction work and energy solutions for the parking facility pilot. Meanwhile, the work on developing Malmö city’s new energy strategy is progressing fast.

Meanwhile, West Suffolk Council is in the preliminary stages of engaging with local businesses to get them on board. The crucial first step is to formulate an offer for businesses that highlights the benefits of participating beyond corporate social responsibility.

In Amersfoort, the municipality will work with the residents to explore alternatives to natural gas for heating. The community will be involved through a member-owned energy cooperation. The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs has already granted the project an exemption to the Dutch Electricity Act and Energievan.nu has started work on developing the physical infrastructure of the smart energy system.