ATELIER is set to conclude with a major final event in Bilbao, Spain on 11 and 12 March 2026, bringing together key players in the development of Positive Energy Districts (PEDs).
The event will convene all 30 project partners alongside selected high-level guests to share hands-on experiences and lessons learned.
A central focus of the conference will be the progress made by ATELIER’s Lighthouse Cities, Bilbao and Amsterdam, comparing their initial ambitions with the outcomes achieved. Through plenary sessions and city-led discussions, participants will gain insight into how Positive Energy Districts have moved from concept to implementation.
In addition, six Fellow Cities will present their own replication journeys, highlighting both achievements and challenges in adapting PED models to local contexts.
The conference programme features a strong emphasis on practical knowledge exchange. A series of interactive breakout sessions will explore topics including:
• How to start a PED – a crash course for newcomers
• The potential of energy communities
• Stakeholder collaboration and Innovation Ateliers
• Policy frameworks for PED deployment
• Replication strategies
• Data and digital tools for PEDs
• Financing models for Positive Energy Districts
These sessions aim to equip cities and stakeholders with actionable insights to accelerate the transition toward climate-neutral urban districts.
Beyond the formal programme, participants will have opportunities to connect through poster exhibitions, a conference dinner and a guided tour of the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, fostering collaboration beyond the lifespan of the project.
Registration for the Final Congerence is open until 27 February. A detailed agenda is available here.
We invite urban practitioners, policymakers and energy experts to join the event and contribute to shaping the next chapter of Positive Energy District development in Europe, building on ATELIER’s past achievements to create a lasting legacy for sustainable cities.