Accommodating the constant evolution of Positive Energy Districts
Accommodating the constant evolution of Positive Energy Districts
Interoperable solutions to streamline Positive Energy District evolution and cross-sectoral integration
Context and Challenge
The built environment is key to the EU’s transition to a climate-neutral society by 2050.
An estimated 97% of dwellings are not fit for this purpose. A clean energy system and a just transition require more than isolated technological solutions for individual buildings.
To optimally decarbonise the urban environment, it is crucial to implement fully interoperable solutions at the neighbourhood level, that improve energy efficiency and integrate local renewable energy sources and excess heat more effectively.
A Positive Energy District (PED) is an urban area that produces at least as much energy on an annual basis as it consumes.
What is PEDvolution?
PEDvolution paves the way for cross-sectoral integration of ever-evolving Positive Energy Districts (PEDs). European pioneers in PED conceptualisation, implementation and tool development will materialise this through the co-development and implementation of seven interoperable solutions accommodating the constant evolution of PEDs: (1) PED Design and Planning Toolset, (2) Dynamic Decision Support Guideline for PED Development, (3) PED Energy Manager, (4) Data Exchange, Integration and Interoperability Platform, (5) PED Business Models Innovation Tool, (6) Social Innovation tool and (7) PED Readiness Assessment. The solutions will evaluate and improve the ‘PED Readiness Level’ according to the four genes of the PED genotype: social, technology, interoperability, and market, which in their turn are influenced by their interaction within the PED and its environment (PED phenotype). At least six real-life PEDs across Europe will provide a demonstration and validation environment for the solutions, paving the way for replication, upscaling and mainstreaming.
Horizon Europe PEDvolution project
Project Start Date: 01/01/2024
Project End date: 31/12/2026
7 Interoperable solutions
PED Design and Planning Toolset
A Digital Twin planning tool to empower developers and managers to accelerate district development pathways towards achieving or further evolving a PED. The tool will provide accurate energy models of buildings and district assets as a basis to generate renovation pathways along district heating / cooling grids based on local conditions.
Dynamic Decision Support Guideline
Targeted guidelines and efficient workflow for PED development decisions related to the choice of technologies and strategies with respect to urban planning, energy efficiency and integration of local renewable energy sources.
PED Energy Manager
Multi-level toolset for efficient management of energy processes within PEDs. Controls energy processes in residential and non-residential environments, assesses and extracts flexibility, optimises the operation in multi-sector environments and exploits flexibility on several energy and flexibility markets.
Data Exchange, Integration and Interoperability Platform
The PEDvolution interoperability platform will comprise the digital backbone of the PEDvolution approach, providing a central node for trustworthy exchange of data, access to sophisticated PED design, planning, management and flexibility tools, thus enabling effective sector integration targeted to a multitude of energy and non-energy carriers (for instance, mobility and water).
PED Business Models Innovation Tool
A set of building blocks, known as ‘business model patterns,’ that have been proven successful in community-based business solutions. The tool’s process will show PEDs how to adapt business model patterns to the local context and combine them to create promising business models.
PED Social Innovation tool
A methodology that allows users to assess the state of the community and to understand the priorities, values and views of different stakeholders or actors to design an energy solution or related activities to be compatible with local needs. The aim is to contribute to long lasting adoption of planned or existing energy innovation in a PED.
PED Readiness Assessment
Α systematic process of monitoring and determining the performance of a neighbourhood or district, in relation to the essential characteristics of a Positive Energy District.
3 PED Co-Developer Demonstrators
Several PEDs will demonstrate the PEDvolution solutions to promote replication, upscaling, and mainstreaming. Three demonstrators, located in Germany Slovenia and Switzerland, are partnering in the consortium from the beginning as co-developers of the solutions. As such, they participate in all project phases of the project to support the solution developers, e.g. by providing insights on the stakeholder needs, performance requirements, etc. Besides the three PED co-developers, at least three additional demonstrators across Europe will be identified and selected through an open call in the second half of the project.
AMBITION
Specific Needs
- Improve energy efficiency coupled with a better integration of local renewables and local excess heat sources within the districts.
- Increase citizen participation and integration of consumers and energy communities in the value chain of the energy system.
- Improve cross-sectoral integration on energy and non-energy sectors within PEDs.
- Demonstrate fully interoperable solutions for planning, design, development, and management of PEDs.
CONTRIBUTiON
Expected Results
- Increased availability of tools, guides and interoperable solutions for planning, design, development, and management of PEDs.
- Improved integration of energy and non-energy sectors within PEDs.
- Improved integration of PEDs in energy systems and improved contribution of PEDs to energy grid robustness regarding dependencies to energy supplies.
- Increased social entrepreneurship and citizen participation and engagement in energy communities.
- Increased participation of consumers and energy communities in the value chain of the energy system.
Who is it for?
- Energy service providers (ESCOs)
- Mobility service providers
- Residents / Energy consumers / End users
- Energy Prosumers
- PED developers and managers
- PED investors (e.g. banks, real estate developers and owners, regional funders)
- Local Authorities and City Planners
- Regional Authorities
- Policy makers
- Standardisation bodies
- General public
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