RECET Events
Supporting local authorities in Europe’s green transition
The Role of Local Authorities in the Green Transition – RECET Final Webinar
Rural regions are essential to achieving Europe’s 2030 and 2050 climate goals. Most renewable energy production takes place in rural areas, placing municipalities at the centre of planning, permitting and local development. Yet many small administrations face limited capacity, staffing constraints and reduced access to specialist expertise.
About the Webinar
What role should local authorities play in the green transition? Are rural administrations prepared for the task? And how can engagement with municipalities be strengthened to accelerate climate action?
This webinar, hosted by the RECET project (funded by the EU LIFE programme), brings together experts and practitioners to discuss these questions and share lessons from rural regions across Europe.
Key Themes
The central role of rural municipalities in renewable energy development
Capacity challenges in small administrations
Insights from RECET’s work in Iceland, Sweden, Spain and Slovenia
Practical engagement approaches and action‑based policymaking
The importance of trust, simplicity and local ownership
About RECET
This is the final event of the RECET project, which supports five European regions in reducing fossil fuel dependence and strengthening local capacity for clean energy transition through place‑based solutions.
Who Should Attend
Local and regional policymakers
Municipal planners and climate/energy officers
Rural development practitioners
Researchers and stakeholders in renewable energy and land‑use planning
Registration
Participation in this webinar is managed through Nordregio. Please complete your registration on the official event page: Register here
Akureyri Energy Seminar: Sustainable Solutions for Remote Areas
Join us in Akureyri for an inspiring gathering where we work together toward a greener, more sustainable future.
About this event:
The RECET project and the Net Zero Islands Network are pleased to invite you to a joint seminar in Akureyri, Iceland, focused on advancing energy sustainability in islands and remote communities. This event brings together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to exchange knowledge, explore innovative solutions, and strengthen collaboration in the energy transition (See agenda below).
Opening Session: Setting the Stage for Energy Transition
13:00 – 13:05 Welcome Address
Ásthildur Sturludóttir, Mayor of Akureyri
13:05 – 13:25 Keynote: Policy & Vision for a Sustainable Future
Learning from Best Practices: Success Stories Across Europe
13:25 – 13:40 The Samsø Experience: A Renewable Energy Success Story
Samsø Energy Academy
13:40 – 13:50 The Net Zero Islands Network
Ditte Stiler, Adviser, Nordic Energy Research
13:50 – 14:05 Rural Europe for the Clean Energy Transition (RECET): Key Takeaways from Partners Across Europe
Marianne Ribes, Project Manager, Icelandic New Energy
Policy & Market Forces: Addressing the Challenges of Energy Transition
14:05 – 14:25 The Green Energy Transition of Iceland & National Transport Priorities.
Sigurður Friðleifsson, Head of Division, Icelandic Environment and Energy Agency
14:25 – 14:40 Impact of Oil Tax in Transport on Rural Communities
Skúli Gunnar Árnason, Head of Energy Transition, Eimur
14:40 – 15:00 | Coffee Break
Local & Regional Energy Transition Strategies
15:00 – 15:15 Development and Sustainability Agenda for Åland.
Yvonne Østerlund, Senior Engineer, Government of Åland
15:15 - 15:30 CET PLAN: A Regional Approach to Sustainable Energy Planning in Blekinge.
Anna Månsson, Project Manager, Energy Agency Southern Sweden
15:30 – 15:45 Across Energy Sector Policies of Scottish Local Authorities.
Daniel Gear, Director, Equitable Energy Research CIC
15:45 – 16:00 Developing a Roadmap for Nunavut, Canada.
Michael Ross, Industrial Research Chair of Northern Energy Innovation, Yukon University
Panel Discussion: Dissemination & Knowledge Sharing
16:00 – 16:30 | Panelists:
Ditte Stiler, Adviser, Nordic Energy Research
Sigurður Friðleifsson, Icelandic Environment and Energy Agency
Samsø Energy Academy
Carlos Tapia, Nordregio
Moderator: Ottó Elíasson, Managing Director at Eimur
16:30 - Closing Remarks and Mingling
RECET & Net Zero Islands Network offer guests light refreshments after the seminar
Why Attend?
Gain insights from leading experts on energy transition policies and strategies.
Learn from best practices and success stories across Europe and beyond.
Connect with policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders shaping the future of sustainable energy.
About the Organizers
RECET Project:
The RECET project strengthens the capacity of municipalities in five European regions to manage energy transition, fostering collaboration with stakeholders and industry to develop comprehensive energy transition plans.
Net Zero Islands Network:
The Net Zero Islands Network plays a key role in advancing green and resilient energy solutions for islands and remote areas. The network facilitates knowledge sharing, supports job creation, and explores CO2-negative opportunities. It is administered by Nordic Energy Research.
Register Now!
Secure your spot by registering below
For inquiries, contact: kolfinna@eimur.is
We look forward to welcoming you to this important seminar!
