Efficient energy and electric transport in a Smart City: Evaluation of sustainability and competitivness

The growth of urbanization is a phenomenon that seriously threatens sustainability. According to United Nations estimates, by 2050 the urban population will reach 68% of the global population. Although cities occupy only 3% of the earth's surface, they are responsible for 70% of energy consumption, and 75% of carbon emissions. This urbanization trend is causing increasing pressures on the limited resources available, pressures not compatible with sustainable development. For this reason, governments will have to commit themselves to finding strategies to keep urban centres as places of work and prosperity, where the territory and resources are not damaged, and services are managed in an intelligent and conscious way. The “smart cities” are born to meet these needs, and are places that aim to be economically sustainable, energy self-sufficient, and attentive to the living conditions and needs of its citizens. In this research work, it has studied how a correct management of energy efficiency and electric transport within a smart city can influence its competitiveness and sustainability.