Larissa and Izmir Collaborate on Digital Solutions for Energy Efficiency

Larissa, Greece.

The Municipality of Larissa in Thessaly is embarking on a strategic collaboration with the Municipality of Izmir in Turkey, aiming to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. This partnership is part of the European Twin Cities-NetZeroCities program, under the Global Climate Community – Synergy (GCC-Synergy) initiative.

Larissa is one of 24 cities selected to accelerate their journey toward climate neutrality, joining a network of 184 cities across Europe and beyond. This initiative is part of the EU Cities Mission, facilitated by the NetZeroCities platform. The program connects cities with similar climate challenges to share knowledge and best practices in areas such as energy, waste, mobility, and buildings.

Focus on digital solutions for energy decarbonization

Photo source: Larissa Municipality

As part of the program, Larissa has been paired with Izmir to collaborate on a pilot project titled “Digital Solutions for Electricity Decarbonisation by Global Climate Community Izmir (GCC-Synergy)“. This project will focus on integrating smart energy systems and digital solutions to optimize electricity consumption, predict energy needs, and promote the use of renewable energy sources.

The GCC-Synergy initiative supports the transition to greener energy systems by leveraging smart grids, local energy communities, and advanced data analytics. The goal is to engage citizens and businesses, encouraging collective action for a more sustainable energy transition.

Strengthening energy efficiency through collaboration

Larissa’s involvement in the NetZeroCities program will help the city build a more resilient, energy-efficient urban environment. By collaborating with Izmir, the Municipality of Larissa will enhance its digital energy infrastructure and promote the use of renewable energy sources that will reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This collaboration will also foster greater participation from local citizens and businesses in energy communities, while strengthening Larissa’s network with other European and international cities.

The 17-month-long project will involve knowledge exchange, the replication of effective climate solutions, and the development of innovative approaches to address key challenges in the pursuit of climate neutrality.

Photo source: Larissa Municipality

Twin City action plan for climate neutrality

At the conclusion of the project, Larissa will integrate the insights gained, best practices, and innovative solutions into a Twin City Action Plan aimed at achieving climate neutrality. The Action Plan will be developed through online workshops and exchange visits between Larissa and Izmir.

Other Greek cities in the Twinning Program

Larissa is not alone in this initiative. Other Greek municipalities, such as Fyli in Attica (paired with Brussels, Belgium) and Heraklion on Crete (paired with Angers Loire Metropole, France), are also participating in the Twinning Learning Programme, further advancing Greece’s commitment to climate action and sustainable development.

The project is funded by the European Union.