Upscaling and accelerating Positive Energy Districts
A Positive Energy District (PED) is an urban area that generates more green energy than it consumes on a yearly basis. An important element in the design of a PED is CO2-neutral heating and cooling. A lot of Dutch heating transition projects are behind on schedule. There are technical, regulatory and financial uncertainties which are staggering development. Resident support isn’t always sufficient either. With EmPowerED, we bring parties together to jointly develop local solutions.
The heating transition plays a crucial role in realizing a Positive Energy District. By transitioning from fossil fuels to sustainable sources of heat, like geothermal or waste heat, the emissions of CO2 in a certain area can be significantly reduced. Heating networks can moreover efficiently distribute heat in urban areas. A reduction in the demand of heating through for example better isolation, also contributes to a PED.
A heating solution supported by residents requires an understanding of social, spatial, administrative, legal, financial and technical factors that contribute to the design of a PED. Public support is indispensable here. Involving residents from the beginning of heating transition projects ensures better acceptance and a more successful implementation. Residents must be part of the decision-making process, as these projects impact their daily lives.
The EmPowerED consortium consists of 11 knowledge institutions and collaboration and co-financing partners who collectively represent the entire knowledge chain. Together, we involve resident groups, civil organizations, municipalities, grid operators, housing associations, and technology and service providers in the heating transition. We offer them a toolbox to jointly develop heating solutions for PEDs. In doing so, we build upon knowledge and expertise from previous projects.
Duration: January 2025 – December 2029
Total budget of the project: €7,9 million
Budget ENTRANCE: €600.000
Partners: 11 knowledge institutes and partners from the chain
Theme:
Involved professorships:
The future of the transition to sustainable energy.
Developing an innovation roadmap for small-scale wind energy, commissioned by TKI Urban Energy.
Which policy instruments can European cities utilize to promote the implementation of Positive Energy Districts?
How can the Dutch energy market be organized, in order that it joins the changing energy system? This is a central question at the project MODES (Market Organization of the Dutch Energy System).
