What role can Positive Clean Energy Districts play in helping European cities move towards climate neutrality?
The first edition of the ASCEND Café, held on 15 January 2026, introduced the concept of Positive Clean Energy Districts (PCEDs) and explored their role within the wider transition towards climate-neutral cities. The session looked at the key principles behind PCEDs, the technologies and approaches that support their development, and how municipalities can begin planning integrated district-level transformations. ascend-project.eu
Drawing on the experience of ASCEND, the discussion also explored how PCEDs can be integrated into the wider urban ecosystem and how cities can bring together energy, planning, governance and other urban systems at district level. The session featured contributions from Philippe Fournand (Blue-Sight Conseil), Andreas Baernreuther (City of Munich) and Baptiste Mougeot (SPL Lyon Confluence), and was moderated by Veronika Cerna (TWNTY). ascend-project.eu
Missed the session or want to revisit the discussion? Watch the full recording of ASCEND Café and explore how PCEDs can contribute to more sustainable, resilient and climate-neutral European cities.
Café recording
