鈥淭he idea is relatively straightforward. It is based on the principle that energy should not be transmitted over long distances but produced as close to the consumer as possible. Our concept of energy also includes heat, heating, and cooling,鈥� says Yang Liu, Senior Associate Professor at the Division of Environmental Technology and Management at Department of Management and Engineering, Link枚ping University.
The work concerns the implementation of Positive Energy Districts (PEDs), and interactions between different energy solutions that today are not fully utilised.
Toolbox
鈥淲e imagine that energy will be used more directly, with storage taking place when conditions are optimal. In today鈥檚 energy system, we remain dependent on production at a distance, as well as storage and transmission. This slows down Europe鈥檚 entire climate transition. We lose important synergies when production is located far from the consumer.鈥�
The project will result in, among other things, a framework and an open, scalable decision-support toolbox for policymakers. The work is based on a transdisciplinary co-creation method in so-called Living Labs in four municipalities: Lund in Sweden, Lyngby-Taarb忙k in Denmark, Winterthur in Switzerland, and Fuengirola in Spain.
鈥淚n these real-world settings, we will work directly with municipal planners, energy providers, small and medium-sized enterprises, and community representatives to test, evaluate, and refine both the framework and the toolbox. Collaboration with the municipalities will be essential for finding solutions that are both in demand and functional,鈥� says Yang Liu.
Simulate scenarios
The project spans many fields. It concerns optimisation and energy efficiency throughout the year.
But can a district become entirely self-sufficient in energy?
鈥淭echnically, with enough storage, it is possible. But it is often not economically feasible,鈥� Yang Liu explains.
鈥淚nstead, we look at the whole year. The goal is for the district to generate an annual net surplus of renewable energy. The framework and the toolbox will enable cities to simulate various PED scenarios and assess both technical and economic feasibility. It may involve solar cells, geothermal energy, and wind power, but also smart solutions for capturing and reusing heat. Optimisation is crucial, such as determining the best times for producing and storing energy.鈥�
Energy justice
The toolbox is also intended to help decision-makers navigate the often complex regulatory landscape surrounding energy issues, as well as assess socio-economic impacts and energy justice.
鈥淭his ensures that our solutions are practical, user-friendly, and adaptable to climatic, social, and regulatory conditions. In this way, the project contributes directly to evidence-based and equitable urban planning,鈥� says Yang Liu.
The concept of energy justice is about recognising that all neighbourhoods are needed when a city aims to maximise its energy system. This means energy production and consumption must be optimised regardless of socio-economic circumstances.
Social sciences
鈥淲e cannot exclude any group, such as vulnerable households, low-income residents, or refugees. They must be integrated into the energy system even if they do not own their homes or lack financial resources. This is why a form of 鈥榚nergy justice鈥� is necessary to address these challenges.鈥�
Do you collaborate across disciplines on this?
鈥淵es, and social sciences, not only technology, are becoming increasingly important in this type of project. At the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), for example, we collaborate with social science experts on these exact issues.鈥�
