We’re glad to inform you that our paper « Pathways to Positive Energy Districts: A Comprehensive Techno-Economic and Environmental Analysis Using Multi-Objective Optimization » has been published in Energies as part of the Special Issue Latest Advances and Prospects in Net Zero Energy Buildings and Positive Energy Districts.

Citizens4PED has been a source of references for the study cases explored in the paper, and to support the authors in challenging the cases and obtaining the expected results.

Note that this Multi-Objective Optimization tool is under continuous improvement and development at VUB, and that a deliverable detailing how it has been applied for the Citizens4PED living labs will be issued by June 2025, on the Citizens4PED website.

Abstract

Transitioning to Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) is essential for achieving carbon neutrality in urban areas by 2050. This study presents a multi-objective optimization framework that balances energy, environmental, and economic performance, addressing the diverse priorities of multiple stakeholders. The framework enhances PED design by systematically evaluating technical solutions, including renewable-based electrification, demand-side management (DSM), energy storage, and retrofitting. The framework is applied to the Usquare district in Brussels, Belgium, as a case study. The results indicate that expanding photovoltaic (PV) capacity is crucial for achieving PED targets, with renewable-based electrification potentially reducing carbon emissions by up to 79%. The incorporation of demand-side management (DSM) and battery storage improves system flexibility, reduces grid dependency, and enhances cost-effectiveness. Although slightly more costly, retrofitting existing buildings provides the most balanced approach, offering the lowest CO2 emissions and the highest self-consumption ratio. This study presents a comprehensive decision-making support framework for optimizing PED design and operation, offering practical guidance for urban energy planning and contributing to global efforts toward carbon neutrality.

Thesis related to Citizens4PED published in December 2024

VUB thesis « Optimal design of low carbon, multi-energy systems » by Guangxuan Wang was published in December 2024, which helped to write the here-above mentioned paper.