IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v18y2025i5p1134-d1599555.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Pathways to Positive Energy Districts: A Comprehensive Techno-Economic and Environmental Analysis Using Multi-Objective Optimization

Author

Listed:
  • Guangxuan Wang

    (Thermo and Fluid Dynamics (FLOW), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
    Brussels Institute for Thermal-Fluid Systems and Clean Energy (BRITE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium)

  • Olivier Gilmont

    (Thermo and Fluid Dynamics (FLOW), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
    Resolia, Chemin du Cyclotron 6, 1342 Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium)

  • Julien Blondeau

    (Thermo and Fluid Dynamics (FLOW), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
    Brussels Institute for Thermal-Fluid Systems and Clean Energy (BRITE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Guangxuan Wang & Olivier Gilmont & Julien Blondeau, 2025. "Pathways to Positive Energy Districts: A Comprehensive Techno-Economic and Environmental Analysis Using Multi-Objective Optimization," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-29, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:5:p:1134-:d:1599555
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/5/1134/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/5/1134/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Felice, Alex & Rakocevic, Lucija & Peeters, Leen & Messagie, Maarten & Coosemans, Thierry & Ramirez Camargo, Luis, 2022. "Renewable energy communities: Do they have a business case in Flanders?," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 322(C).
    2. Jaume Salom & Meril Tamm & Inger Andresen & Davide Cali & Ábel Magyari & Viktor Bukovszki & Rebeka Balázs & Paraskevi Vivian Dorizas & Zsolt Toth & Sheikh Zuhaib & Clara Mafé & Caroline Cheng & András, 2021. "An Evaluation Framework for Sustainable Plus Energy Neighbourhoods: Moving Beyond the Traditional Building Energy Assessment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-25, July.
    3. Luca Casamassima & Luigi Bottecchia & Axel Bruck & Lukas Kranzl & Reinhard Haas, 2022. "Economic, social, and environmental aspects of Positive Energy Districts—A review," Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 11(6), November.
    4. Blumberga, Andra & Vanaga, Ruta & Freimanis, Ritvars & Blumberga, Dagnija & Antužs, Juris & Krastiņš, Artūrs & Jankovskis, Ivars & Bondars, Edgars & Treija, Sandra, 2020. "Transition from traditional historic urban block to positive energy block," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).
    5. William E. Hart & Carl D. Laird & Jean-Paul Watson & David L. Woodruff & Gabriel A. Hackebeil & Bethany L. Nicholson & John D. Siirola, 2017. "Pyomo — Optimization Modeling in Python," Springer Optimization and Its Applications, Springer, edition 2, number 978-3-319-58821-6, December.
    6. Limpens, Gauthier & Moret, Stefano & Jeanmart, Hervé & Maréchal, Francois, 2019. "EnergyScope TD: A novel open-source model for regional energy systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 255(C).
    7. Le, Tay Son & Nguyen, Tuan Ngoc & Bui, Dac-Khuong & Ngo, Tuan Duc, 2023. "Optimal sizing of renewable energy storage: A techno-economic analysis of hydrogen, battery and hybrid systems considering degradation and seasonal storage," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 336(C).
    8. Coppitters, Diederik & Verleysen, Kevin & De Paepe, Ward & Contino, Francesco, 2022. "How can renewable hydrogen compete with diesel in public transport? Robust design optimization of a hydrogen refueling station under techno-economic and environmental uncertainty," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 312(C).
    9. Coppitters, Diederik & De Paepe, Ward & Contino, Francesco, 2021. "Robust design optimization of a photovoltaic-battery-heat pump system with thermal storage under aleatory and epistemic uncertainty," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 229(C).
    10. Thibault Coppieters & Julien Blondeau, 2019. "Techno-Economic Design of Flue Gas Condensers for Medium-Scale Biomass Combustion Plants: Impact of Heat Demand and Return Temperature Variations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-22, June.
    11. Di Somma, M. & Yan, B. & Bianco, N. & Graditi, G. & Luh, P.B. & Mongibello, L. & Naso, V., 2017. "Multi-objective design optimization of distributed energy systems through cost and exergy assessments," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 204(C), pages 1299-1316.
    12. Gabrielli, Paolo & Gazzani, Matteo & Martelli, Emanuele & Mazzotti, Marco, 2018. "Optimal design of multi-energy systems with seasonal storage," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 219(C), pages 408-424.
    13. Luthander, Rasmus & Widén, Joakim & Nilsson, Daniel & Palm, Jenny, 2015. "Photovoltaic self-consumption in buildings: A review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 142(C), pages 80-94.
    14. Petkov, Ivalin & Gabrielli, Paolo, 2020. "Power-to-hydrogen as seasonal energy storage: an uncertainty analysis for optimal design of low-carbon multi-energy systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 274(C).
    15. Borasio, M. & Moret, S., 2022. "Deep decarbonisation of regional energy systems: A novel modelling approach and its application to the Italian energy transition," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).
    16. Ceglia, Francesca & Marrasso, Elisa & Roselli, Carlo & Sasso, Maurizio, 2023. "Energy and environmental assessment of a biomass-based renewable energy community including photovoltaic and hydroelectric systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 282(C).
    17. Andrea Gabaldón Moreno & Fredy Vélez & Beril Alpagut & Patxi Hernández & Cecilia Sanz Montalvillo, 2021. "How to Achieve Positive Energy Districts for Sustainable Cities: A Proposed Calculation Methodology," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-19, January.
    18. Marrasso, E. & Martone, C. & Pallotta, G. & Roselli, C. & Sasso, M., 2024. "Assessment of energy systems configurations in mixed-use Positive Energy Districts through novel indicators for energy and environmental analysis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 368(C).
    19. Zheng, Nan & Zhang, Hanfei & Duan, Liqiang & Wang, Qiushi & Bischi, Aldo & Desideri, Umberto, 2023. "Techno-economic analysis of a novel solar-driven PEMEC-SOFC-based multi-generation system coupled parabolic trough photovoltaic thermal collector and thermal energy storage," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 331(C).
    20. Wirtz, Marco & Kivilip, Lukas & Remmen, Peter & Müller, Dirk, 2020. "5th Generation District Heating: A novel design approach based on mathematical optimization," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Wakui, Tetsuya & Akai, Kazuki & Yokoyama, Ryohei, 2022. "Shrinking and receding horizon approaches for long-term operational planning of energy storage and supply systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(PD).
    2. Dong, Haoxin & Shan, Zijing & Zhou, Jianli & Xu, Chuanbo & Chen, Wenjun, 2023. "Refined modeling and co-optimization of electric-hydrogen-thermal-gas integrated energy system with hybrid energy storage," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 351(C).
    3. Àlex Alonso-Travesset & Diederik Coppitters & Helena Martín & Jordi de la Hoz, 2023. "Economic and Regulatory Uncertainty in Renewable Energy System Design: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-30, January.
    4. Fiorentini, Massimo & Heer, Philipp & Baldini, Luca, 2023. "Design optimization of a district heating and cooling system with a borehole seasonal thermal energy storage," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 262(PB).
    5. Lédée, François & Evins, Ralph, 2024. "A comparison of 4th and 5th generation thermal networks with energy hub," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 311(C).
    6. Christina Papadimitriou & Marialaura Di Somma & Chrysanthos Charalambous & Martina Caliano & Valeria Palladino & Andrés Felipe Cortés Borray & Amaia González-Garrido & Nerea Ruiz & Giorgio Graditi, 2023. "A Comprehensive Review of the Design and Operation Optimization of Energy Hubs and Their Interaction with the Markets and External Networks," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-46, May.
    7. Sassenou, L.-N. & Olivieri, L. & Olivieri, F., 2024. "Challenges for positive energy districts deployment: A systematic review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
    8. Alexander Holtwerth & André Xhonneux & Dirk Müller, 2024. "Model Predictive Control of a Stand-Alone Hybrid Battery-Hydrogen Energy System: A Case Study of the PHOEBUS Energy System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-46, September.
    9. Brodnicke, Linda & Gabrielli, Paolo & Sansavini, Giovanni, 2023. "Impact of policies on residential multi-energy systems for consumers and prosumers," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 344(C).
    10. Mavromatidis, Georgios & Petkov, Ivalin, 2021. "MANGO: A novel optimization model for the long-term, multi-stage planning of decentralized multi-energy systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 288(C).
    11. Petkov, Ivalin & Mavromatidis, Georgios & Knoeri, Christof & Allan, James & Hoffmann, Volker H., 2022. "MANGOret: An optimization framework for the long-term investment planning of building multi-energy system and envelope retrofits," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 314(C).
    12. Østergaard, P.A. & Lund, H. & Thellufsen, J.Z. & Sorknæs, P. & Mathiesen, B.V., 2022. "Review and validation of EnergyPLAN," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).
    13. Stephan Kigle & Michael Ebner & Andrej Guminski, 2022. "Greenhouse Gas Abatement in EUROPE—A Scenario-Based, Bottom-Up Analysis Showing the Effect of Deep Emission Mitigation on the European Energy System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-18, February.
    14. Jonathan Dumas & Antoine Dubois & Paolo Thiran & Pierre Jacques & Francesco Contino & Bertrand Cornélusse & Gauthier Limpens, 2022. "The Energy Return on Investment of Whole-Energy Systems: Application to Belgium," Biophysical Economics and Resource Quality, Springer, vol. 7(4), pages 1-34, December.
    15. Fonseca, Juan D. & Commenge, Jean-Marc & Camargo, Mauricio & Falk, Laurent & Gil, Iván D., 2021. "Sustainability analysis for the design of distributed energy systems: A multi-objective optimization approach," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 290(C).
    16. Wirtz, Marco, 2023. "nPro: A web-based planning tool for designing district energy systems and thermal networks," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 268(C).
    17. Sacha Hodencq & Mathieu Brugeron & Jaume Fitó & Lou Morriet & Benoit Delinchant & Frédéric Wurtz, 2021. "OMEGAlpes, an Open-Source Optimisation Model Generation Tool to Support Energy Stakeholders at District Scale," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-30, September.
    18. Costa, Alexis & Coppitters, Diederik & Dubois, Lionel & Contino, Francesco & Thomas, Diane & De Weireld, Guy, 2024. "Energy, exergy, economic and environmental (4E) analysis of a cryogenic carbon purification unit with membrane for oxyfuel cement plant flue gas," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 357(C).
    19. Ramos-Teodoro, Jerónimo & Rodríguez, Francisco & Berenguel, Manuel & Torres, José Luis, 2018. "Heterogeneous resource management in energy hubs with self-consumption: Contributions and application example," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 229(C), pages 537-550.
    20. Ilaria Marotta & Francesco Guarino & Sonia Longo & Maurizio Cellura, 2021. "Environmental Sustainability Approaches and Positive Energy Districts: A Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-45, November.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:5:p:1134-:d:1599555. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.