Fundamental Challenges in the Implementation of Positive Energy Districts: Definitions, Design, Technologies, and Sustainability

Journal Title: Journal of Sustainability for Energy - Year 2024, Vol 3, Issue 4

Abstract

Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) represent a crucial component of the energy transition and the development of climate-neutral urban environments. Given their significance, ongoing refinement in the definition and implementation of PEDs is essential. An in-depth analysis of the key characteristics of PEDs and the central role of stakeholders in their planning and modelling was presented in this study. The analysis encompasses five primary technological domains: energy efficiency, energy flexibility, e-mobility, soft mobility, and low-carbon generation. Both the enablers and barriers within a holistic framework, which integrates sustainability, as well as both tangible and intangible quality attributes, were identified. Key enabling factors, such as financial, social, innovation, and governance aspects, were examined to illustrate their impact on the successful implementation of PEDs. A co-creation process, highlighted as an essential outcome, contributes to a more refined understanding of the state of the art in PED design and implementation. In addition to the technical dimensions, the social, ecological, and cultural factors were shown to play a significant role, underscoring the importance of stakeholder engagement in achieving urban decarbonization. It can be concluded that a multidimensional approach, which incorporates not only technological innovations but also socio-ecological considerations, is necessary to effectively address the challenges inherent in the deployment of PEDs.

Authors and Affiliations

Emilio Sessa, Lorenza Di Pilla, Roberta Rincione, Alberto Brunetti, Francesco Guarino, Maurizio Cellura, Sonia Longo, Eleonora Riva Sanseverino

Keywords

Related Articles

Enhanced Performance of Structurally Optimized Plate-Fin Heat Exchangers Through Numerical Modeling of Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop

This study aims to optimize the structure of compact Plate-Fin Heat Exchangers (PFHE) by incorporating corrugated fins and validating their improved performance through numerical modeling and simulation. The results prov...

Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Sow Houses: An Annual Temperature Regulation System Employing Heat Recovery and Photovoltaic-Thermal Technology

This study proposes a novel annual temperature regulation system for sow houses, integrating heat recovery and photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) technology to optimize energy utilization efficiency and economic benefits. Mathe...

ENEA’s Approach and Technologies for the Development of Smart Energy Communities in Italy

The implementation of certain European Union (EU) directives into Italian national legislation through several legislative decrees has catalyzed the establishment of energy communities in Italy. In this context, Energy a...

Summary of Demand-side Response and Energy Transaction Strategy of Intelligent Building Clusters Driven by Data

At present, intelligent buildings have formed a relatively mature and complete industrial chain and industrial scale in China, but there are still some technical and application problems to be solved urgently, mainly inc...

An Italian Geoportal for Renewable Energy Communities

The development and implementation of a national geoportal designed to optimize the planning and management of integrated Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) is presented in this study. This innovative tool facilitates t...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP761660
  • DOI https://doi.org/10.56578/jse030403
  • Views 5
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Emilio Sessa, Lorenza Di Pilla, Roberta Rincione, Alberto Brunetti, Francesco Guarino, Maurizio Cellura, Sonia Longo, Eleonora Riva Sanseverino (2024). Fundamental Challenges in the Implementation of Positive Energy Districts: Definitions, Design, Technologies, and Sustainability. Journal of Sustainability for Energy, 3(4), -. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-761660