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CO-SHaping Areas in Peri-urban Environments - Aarhus pilot activity
As cities expand into peri-urban areas, balancing renewable energy deployment with local liveability becomes increasingly urgent. CO-SHAPE develops a co-creation model for planning Energy Park Spørring — a 1,000 ha site integrating solar, biogas, biochar, and sustainable agriculture. By involving communities, developers, and planners from the start, Aarhus aims to pioneer inclusive governance and landscape-based climate solutions replicable across similar regions. Year 1 delivered both engagement and institutional transformation. Over 10 public activities mobilised residents to co-develop visions for the Energy Park, including a landmark visioning event with over 100 participants from local communities, businesses, and city agencies. But the deeper achievement was elevating the Comprehensive Planning methodology from a pilot approach to a core method in Aarhus' 2026 Municipal Plan — meaning the governance innovation will outlast the project. When private developers withdrew due to energy market volatility, the city pivoted to institutional readiness.

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Citizen participationStakeholder engagementEnergy
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