The RESPONSE project concluded six years of European collaboration with its Final Conference in Dijon on 25 and 26 June 2026. The event brought together project partners, public authorities, researchers and industry representatives to review achievements in developing Positive Energy Districts and discuss how the solutions can be replicated across Europe.
The conference highlighted demonstration activities in the Lighthouse Cities of Dijon and Turku, including the transformation of Dijon’s Fontaine d’Ouche neighbourhood. Participants explored integrated renewable energy systems, collective self-consumption, smart energy management and urban data platforms through site visits, technical workshops and high-level discussions.
A central message was that technology alone is not sufficient to deliver climate-neutral cities. Long-term cooperation between municipalities, residents, researchers and businesses is essential. Representatives from the project’s Fellow Cities also described how knowledge gained from Dijon and Turku is already supporting local energy-transition planning and future investments.
Although the Horizon 2020 project has reached its formal conclusion, the partnerships, practical experience and solutions developed through RESPONSE will continue to support the wider deployment of Positive Energy Districts and accelerate Europe’s transition towards sustainable, resilient and climate-neutral cities.
