The energy transition in the cities of Copenhagen, Helsinki, and Stockholm: Similar or different pathways towards the EU's 2030 targets?

Abstract

The article aims to examine and compare the energy transition process in three EU capitals – Copenhagen, Helsinki, and Stockholm. All three EU Nordic capital cities have similar climate conditions as well as demographic and economic potential. They work towards the transition from fossil fuel energy to renewable energy, and their achievements in this field are evidenced by their positions in the most influential rankings. As the capitals of EU members, all cities are obliged to contribute to ambitious climate policy targets such as the European Green Deal, aimed at GHG emission reduction by 2030 and becoming climate-neutral by 2050. The article focuses on similarities and differences in pathways followed by the three cities and describes the factors that facilitate their energy transition as well as problematic issues that may delay the process. It is based on a comparative case studies model that involves gathering and analysing both qualitative and quantitative data.