A Comprehensive PED-Database for Mapping and Comparing Positive Energy Districts Experiences at European Level

Abstract

Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) are considered as one of the pioneer strategies to guide cities in their energy planning process towards climate neutrality in an attractive, innovative and human-centered way. The concept of PED is the result of a long co-creation process and integrates several multidimensional features, aiming to promote the sustainable development of urban areas and the transition of cities towards a climate neutral energy system. The paper provides an overview of the first outcomes of WG1 “PED Mapping, Characterization and Learning”, in the research COST Action CA19126 “Positive Energy Districts European Network” (PED-EU-NET). This study describes activities that focus on creating a comprehensive PED-Database by mapping existing concepts, strategies, projects, technological and non-technological solutions related to PEDs in Europe. The main objective of the Database is to support municipalities through the decision-making process by providing strategies for building and running a successful PED that can provide alternatives to consider, and is powered by an interactive web-based map. The design of the Database framework is supported by a step-by-step methodology adopted in the framework of the CA19126 in order to develop the PED-Database as an interactive, updatable and user-friendly tool.

Operational Insights and Future Potential of the Database for Positive Energy Districts

“…The PED DB has the objective to work towards the dissemination of PEDs practices and it is structured as a comprehensive tool that, thanks to an implementable structure and updatable contents, brings together case studies, projects, solutions, KPIs, policies, and strategies to support the large-scale development of innovative pilot districts, working both on the implementation of new interventions and on the large-scale renovation of existing urban areas. Building on the previous publications presenting the initial phases of the DB development process [53,54], the present research describes the overall workflow leading from the DB conceptualisation to its online implementation. In particular, it describes the phase-by-phase development process and it presents the actual DB structures, detailing its different sections and giving an overview of the first PED cases and projects currently available online in the Database.…”

A database for positive energy districts (PED)

“…Once published, the information is accessible through the front-end design of the PED Database. The home page allows users to view the maps and tables of the PED cases and associated projects without having to register [9].…”

“…To begin with it is important to have a group of people with independent responsibilities both for entering the data; that would be the editors, as well as another group of people who are able to verify that the data entered have been stored successfully and used in accordance with the technical specifications of the database [9].…”

E-Mobility in Positive Energy Districts

“…The precise definition of a Positive Energy District (PED) is still being decided on; [20], for example, states that a "PED is seen as a district with annual net zero energy import, and net zero CO 2 emission working towards an annual local surplus production of renewable energy", whereas [21] defines PEDs as "energy-efficient and energy-flexible urban areas or groups of connected buildings which produce net zero greenhouse gas emissions and actively manage an annual local or regional surplus production of renewable energy. They require integration of different systems and infrastructures and interaction between buildings, the users and the regional energy, mobility and ICT (Internet and Communications tools) systems, while securing the energy supply and a good life for all in line with social, economic and environmental sustainability".…”

“…Indeed, optimising the ESS performance is clue not only in terms of economic performance [24] but also when trying to improve the autonomy of the area [25]. Improving the distribution rates among buildings generally implies important changes in the topological configuration of the network, but facilitates a shared use of RES and can support the exchange (import/export) of energy outside the PED boundaries [20]. A study undertaken in European countries [27] is clear with respect to energy performance, and after assessing 8 cities they conclude that districts with a population density over 200 in/ha in northern Europe would not achieve energy balance results required by Net Zero Energy Districts (NZED).…”