Title of the project
Modelling energy transition pathways in Pécs and Miskolc
Supported by
Net Zero Cities Pilot Cities Programme;
Kormányzati Önerő Alap
Code of tender
NZC-SGA-HE-202309;
2020-2.1.1-ED
Number of the grant contract
SGA NZC 101121530 – Subgrant – SE33686 – PCP2 – Pécs – 24-26;
2020-2.1.1-ED-2024-00329
Start date of the project
05.01.2024
Duration
24 months
End of reservation period
04.30.2031
Amount of aid granted to the project
1 000 000 €
Amount of aid granted to the University of Miskolc
19 275 000 HUF
Head of consortium
The Municipality of the City of Pécs
Additional consortium partners
Pécsi Városfejlesztési Nonprofit Zrt.,
BIOKOM Nonprofit Kft.,
The Municipality of the City of Miskolc,
Hárfa Alapítvány
The present project is a pilot city programme focusing on supporting activities that are a prerequisite for the launch of a large-scale city-wide series of interventions, on the basis of which the cities of Pécs and Miskolc have committed to net zero emissions by 2030 compared to the 2021 baseline. The aim of Pécs and Miskolc is to model energy transition options using a place-based, scalable approach at city level, and to increase the carbon reduction potential by testing the impact potential, identifying systemic barriers and outlining options. The pilot project will provide the basis for achieving the net zero emissions target. The designated action areas are a sample of mixed-use areas typical of the city as a whole, with solutions being tested for both residential and service buildings, close to the city centre but of different status. The aim of the project is to contribute to the achievement of carbon neutrality targets by extending the experience and systemic solutions gained over two years to both cities. The cooperation between the two cities will allow the cities in two different parts of the country to gain a wider range of experience for adaptation solutions. As the stationary energy sector is the largest emitter alongside the transport sector in both cities, the focus will be on converting the private building stock to gas-fired supply and developing independent local electricity systems with a higher share of green and renewable energy. This includes developing the regulatory framework, policy initiatives, and new financing and business models. The transition process will only be successful with long-term citizen engagement, involving 500 households and residents in actions on energy efficiency schemes, urban spatial planning, green space planning, transport reduction measures, the development of a Zero Waste Action Plan and the creation of a circular economy ecosystem, while training and awareness raising activities will complement activities and contribute to a change in attitudes and behaviour. The pilot project will provide a framework for stabilising the long-term governance structure for a wide range of city authorities, experts and stakeholders, complemented by public engagement and communication. Training and awareness raising activities will strengthen the capacity and capabilities of the Climate Platform as a key governance mechanism for the two cities.