Browsing by Author "Albert-Seifried, Vicky"
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- Definitions of Positive Energy Districts: A Review of the Status Quo and ChallengesPublication . Albert-Seifried, Vicky; Murauskaite, Lina; Massa, Gilda; Aelenei, Laura Elena; Baer, Daniela; Krangsas, Savis Gohari; Alpagut, Beril; Mutule, Anna; Pokorny, Nikola; Vandevyvere, HanABSTRACT: This paper presents an overview of PED definitions used in five prominent EU programmes and nine PED-relevant projects across Europe. By drawing similarities and finding discrepancies between them, the paper aims to identify the gaps and challenges in existing work. Through systematic comparison, the paper recognises common traces and differences between existing definitions. The main challenges include the definition of PED boundaries, the method for calculating energy balance, the scope of non-energy matters and the assessment of qualitative requirements. As the PED definitions are to be applied to locations with considerably different local contexts, it would be sensible to develop PED definitions in the form of an adaptive framework. This review marks the start of a quest for a universal framework of PED definitions that addresses the existing challenges. The goal is to provide the evidence base for policymakers and other relevant stakeholders in strengthening the PED concept and ease its implementation.
- Ten questions concerning positive energy districtsPublication . Sareen, Siddharth; Albert-Seifried, Vicky; Aelenei, Laura Elena; Reda, Francesco; Etminan, Ghazal; Andreucci, Maria-Beatrice; Kuzmic, Michal; Maas, Nienke; Seco, Oscar; Civiero, Paolo; Gohari, Savis; Hukkalainen, Mari; Neumann, Hans-MartinABSTRACT: Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) constitute an emerging energy transition paradigm, with an ambitious timeline for rapid upscaling to match the urgency of climate mitigation and adaptation. Increasingly networked and coordinated actors aim to realise 100 PEDs across Europe by 2025. This resonates with the mission orientation turn of the European Green New Deal, to inspire and enable target-driven innovation. Yet it raises questions that have long perplexed scholars and practitioners in energy transitions: how can rapid diffusion be achieved in a sustained and replicable manner in diverse socio-technical contexts? Identifying the key questions to address and implement fit-to-purpose solutions within short-term project timescales is essential in order to mainstream PEDs. Such solutionism must be accompanied by a healthy dose of scepticism, in order to avoid undesirable outcomes such as exacerbated inequalities, societal backlash, and spatial displacement of invisible burdens. But it also requires proactive sharing of experiences, responsive learning and dissemination, and cooperation across sectors and disciplines. In this timely contribution, thirteen researchers from nine European countries flag ten questions concerning PEDs, and offer preliminary responses in line with cutting-edge insights informed by science and practice. This contribution draws on multidisciplinary competence in steering the Positive Energy Districts Eu-ropean Network, and aims to make emerging knowledge widely available, while also inviting constructive critique and engagement within the PED arena which features a broad range of diverse stakeholders. Authors highlight key pathways forward for a rapid, far-reaching translation of the ambitious PEDs agenda into multi-sited, district-scale beacons of sustainable energy transition.