Barriers, Challenges, and Recommendations Related to Development of Energy Positive Neighborhoods and Smart Energy Districts

Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of the barriers to smart, demand-side interventions for neighborhoods and districts. Barriers are classified as political/regulatory, economic, social, and technological. Subsequently, drawing on experience from the COOPERaTE project, the specific challenges for the implementation of the Energy Positive Neighborhood (EPN) concept are reviewed. These challenges are presented in classifications of: energy modeling and simulation, performance assessment, information technology, and business model development. Finally, recommendations to aid implementation of the EPN concept and, more generally, smart district and demand-side interventions are detailed.