How can space technologies contribute to Europe's energy transition? To what extent can satellite applications enable more sustainable energy management systems? In what ways can satellite applications support cities and regions in the daily management of urban services? These are some of the questions addressed by our Member Daiva Matonienė (Member of Šiauliai City Council in Lithuania) at a workshop co-organised by the European Committee of the Regions, the European Space Agency and Eurisy, a non-profit organisation which aims to make satellite services and space applications more accessible to public bodies and businesses.

With a particular focus on local and regional needs, the workshop held on 6 June assessed the possible contributions of space assets in responding to the needs of the energy sector and discussed best practices to make space-based data and services available to potential users operating in the energy sector.

The event was chaired by ECR Group Member Daiva Matonienė, former Vice Minister of Environment of Lithuania and CoR spokesperson on renewable energy and the internal energy market in electricity.

In her opening speech, Daiva Matonienė said: "Space technologies can play a great role in reaching the EU's energy and climate objectives but its potential must be maximised through innovative mechanisms that attract private investments. Space policy needs to be solidly based on a long-term strategy. Success will be ours if public authorities of all levels closely cooperate with businesses to further develop space industry public-private partnerships."  

Decarbonising the economy by 2050 will require huge efforts by energy companies and policy-makers to achieve the goals of cutting greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring competitive and secure energy supplies. Ms Matonienė and other CoR Members consider that facilitating synergies between the energy and space sectors is crucial in order to reach our climate and energy targets, both at EU and at international level.

The event was also the occasion to showcase specific applications of space technologies. Participants presented space assets helping to secure energy systems and support energy operators.

The event was part of the EU Sustainable Energy Week 2018. Every year the European Commission's Directorate General for Energy organises an event dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe. This year's main theme was "clean energy for all Europeans".