Date: 12/09/23

What is a Positive Energy District?

• Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) are energy efficient and energy flexible urban areas/groups of connected buildings which produce net zero green house gas emissions. (JPI Urban Europe)
• Aims to optimise the local energy system through energy efficiency, flexibility, and local energy generation for renewables.
• Essentially towards an ‘urban’ energy transition and climate neutrality.
• PEDs regard new build + urban retrofit.
• New build Vs Retrofit > if the district is made up of entirely new builds, it can be a lot easier to meet the PED requirements.
• EU have pledged to be climate neutral by 2050 (economy with net zero green house gas emissions).
• PEDs are not only about energy but, mixity can serve a key role for urban regeneration. (Holistic Approach)
• Connectivity and integration… if we only build NZEBs we would miss the opportunity for technical and economic optimisation, through collective energy production and storage.
• PEDs are characterised by achieving a positive energy balance (Surplus) within a given boundary. (Boundary can be geographical/virtual)
• PEDs are consumers of energy but also producers of renewable energy.

Creating a successful PED

• We have to rethink and replan the way we use and generate energy in our living environment.
• Essential to have different parties on board:
  • Local Authorities
  • Urban Planners
  • Utilities
  • Investors
  • Locals > working together with planners and the local authorities for best sustainable solution.

Complex innovation

• Urban planning
• Energy Systems
• Citizen Engagement
• Business Models