Unraveling the implementation processes of PEDs: Lesson learned from multiple urban contexts

Abstract

The implementation of Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) is recognized as a promising approach to achieving energy efficiency and reducing the negative environmental impact of climate change through the surplus of local renewable energy generation. However, several barriers to the implementation of PEDs, coupled with the lack of a joint definition and clarity surrounding PEDs, need to be addressed. These barriers include governance, incentives, social, process, market, technology, and context challenges, requiring a profound understanding of the priorities, ambitions, strategies, contextual conditions, administrative conditions, policies, economic and technical resources, and existing solutions of cities.This study explores the creation and implementation of PEDs, seeking to uncover the potential and challenges of this innovative concept in the pursuit of climate neutrality and energy efficiency. Through a peer-to-peer analysis of PED case studies and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders in Brussels, Stockholm, Vienna, Évora, Lisbon, and Salzburg, challenges such as the lack of clarity in the definition of PEDs, diversity of ownership, administrative complexity, resistance to change, limited knowledge exchange, financing constraints, technological limitations, and inadequate involvement of relevant actors are identified. Moreover, success factors and enabling strategies from these case studies are highlighted, including clear roadmaps, stakeholder collaboration, integrated decision-making processes, political commitment, and coordination platforms.