Optimizing renewable energy integration in new districts: Power-to-X strategies for improved efficiency and sustainability

Abstract

To achieve optimal renewable energy self-sufficiency in new districts, it's crucial to efficiently manage surplus electricity or heat. One effective approach is ‘sector coupling,’ which increases self-consumption by redirecting excess energy via heat pumps (Power-to-Heat) or producing hydrogen (Power-to-Gas). Integrating electric vehicles and storage solutions (Power-to-Power) further enhances system flexibility. Moreover, the implementation of energy communities offers not just an uptick in self-consumption but also encourages consumers to embrace renewable energy technologies. This study evaluates the integration of renewable energy within urban districts through ‘sector coupling’ strategies, aiming to enhance self-sufficiency and consumption by managing surplus electricity and heat. Focusing on a renovated district in Southern Italy, it compares Power-to-X strategies—such as Power-to-Heat, Power-to-Gas, and Power-to-Power—in terms of their impact on primary energy usage, CO2 emissions, and financial costs. Dynamic simulations show these strategies can reduce CO2 emissions by 30 % and energy use by 20 % on average, offering valuable insights for urban energy planning and policy.