Setting the last spark into cities: SPARCS project final journey

In the Spotlight: Positive Energy Districts (PEDs)

At the heart of SPARCSeu (Sustainable energy Positive & zero cARbon CommunitieS), a project funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, launched in 2019, is the aim to transform cities into sustainable, energy-positive, and zero-carbon communities. The project brought together more than 30 partners across 9 countries, including citizens, local authorities, companies, and research institutions, all working towards a cleaner and smarter future.

Cities across Europe have been embracing Positive Energy Districts (PEDs), and we’re excited to have been part of this project. From Espoo to Leipzig, Kifissia to Reykjavik, we have helped cities take a bold step forward—not just by consuming energy, but by producing and sharing it.

But what exactly is a PED? Imagine a neighbourhood that doesn’t just power itself—it generates more energy than it consumes. By harnessing the power of renewable energy sources like solar and geothermal, combined with smart grids and energy storage systems, these districts become self-sustaining and environmentally friendly, even contributing surplus energy back to the grid.

As SPARCS approaches its conclusion in 2024, we wanted to share with you the top things you should consider on your journey to becoming a PED!

1. From Energy Consumers to Energy Producers

The core principle of PEDs is transforming neighbourhoods from energy consumers into energy producers. By leveraging renewable energy sources such as solar and geothermal, combined with smart grids and energy storage systems, PEDs not only power themselves but also generate surplus energy that can be shared with surrounding areas. This energy-positive model reduces dependency on fossil fuels, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and empowers cities to meet their carbon-neutral goals more quickly.

A great example of this is the "Virtuelles Kraftwerk" (Virtual Power Plant), which connects decentralised energy producers into one integrated smart grid. This system enables communities to generate, store, and share energy efficiently, turning them into active participants in the energy market and advancing their journey towards becoming net energy producers.

2. Integrated Urban Systems for Maximum Efficiency

One of the major takeaways from the SPARCS project is the importance of integration. PEDs combine energy production, smart mobility solutions, digital platforms, and sustainable urban planning into a cohesive system. This integration optimises not only energy use but also transportation, public services, and infrastructure, all while reducing costs and improving the quality of life for citizens.

The "Leipzig Energy Map" exemplifies this integration by using geospatial data to map the city's energy consumption and production potential. This digital platform allows urban planners and stakeholders to make data-driven decisions, improving energy efficiency and ensuring that renewable energy is optimally deployed within the urban system, leading to more efficient and sustainable cities.

3. Citizen Engagement is Key to Success

Involving local communities is essential to the success of PEDs. SPARCS demonstrated that citizen participation in decision-making processes ensures the solutions implemented are adapted to local needs and embraced by residents. From designing energy-efficient buildings to creating mobility hubs, engaged citizens are more likely to adopt and champion sustainable practices in their daily lives.

Citizens engagement was key in the Use Case "Engaging Youth: Buddy Class", where young people are involved in shaping Smart City solutions through workshops and discussions with city planners. By engaging the next generation, cities ensure long-term sustainability and a culture of active participation in creating energy-positive communities.

4. Replication and Scalability: The Role of BABLE Smart Cities

BABLE Smart Cities supported the SPARCS project in scaling and replicating its successful Positive Energy District (PED) models across Europe. Our Upscaling & Replication Toolkit provided structured guidance and market consultation to help cities identify technologies, stakeholders, and potential suppliers to adopt PED solutions. Thanks to this structured process, cities such as Maia, Kifissia, and Kladno successfully tailored and implemented smart city projects.

As one of the key market accelerators in the SPARCS project, we supported the transformation of urban energy systems across Europe. But how?

BABLE acted as a connector, bridging the gap between positive energy solutions and real-world application. Our Knowledge Hub was designed to facilitate knowledge exchange, helping cities replicate and scale smart solutions that created sustainable, energy-positive districts.

• The our Market Consultation Tool played a pivotal role in helping cities assess technology feasibility and identify the right suppliers for implementing Positive Energy Districts (PEDs). By connecting cities with solution providers, the tool streamlined the procurement process, ensuring that innovative technologies were quickly adopted to meet the cities' specific needs. This facilitated the replication and scalability of smart city projects across Europe.

• Facilitating Global Knowledge Transfer, we enabled cities to learn from one another, sharing best practices and demonstrating what was possible in creating energy-positive communities. This collaboration was essential for tackling urban challenges globally.
• Accelerating Market Adoption, we was not just about ideas—it was about bringing them to life. Their platform helped cities and solution providers connect, ensuring the fast uptake of innovative technologies and business models that could truly change the way people lived in cities.
• Scaling Positive Energy Districts, cities such as Espoo, Leipzig, and Reykjavik already benefited from BABLE’s support in developing PEDs, which produced more energy than they consumed. These pioneering efforts set new standards for sustainable urban living.

City Focus: How Espoo Leads the Way

Espoo, is setting an example by committing to carbon neutrality by 2030. Our work with Espoo focuses on creating smart, integrated energy systems and citizen engagement platforms that empower people to play an active role in their city’s transformation.

Espoo’s Positive Energy District initiatives have already shown promising results. By leveraging smart energy solutions, the city is reducing its carbon footprint while improving the quality of life for its citizens. Discover Espoo’s journey!

Phase by Phase: How We Turn Vision Into Reality

Our approach to transforming cities is based on a detailed, 9-phase process designed to take cities from vision to successful implementation. Each phase plays a critical role, from stakeholder engagement to technology feasibility, and eventually to upscaling innovative solutions.

Here’s a sneak peek into how we do it:

• Phase 1: Solutions Roadmap – We begin by mapping key stakeholders and identifying potential areas for intervention.
• Phase 3: Market Consultation – Engaging suppliers and understanding the technology landscape is crucial for identifying the best solutions.
• Phase 5: Detailed Planning – Citizen engagement and risk management ensure that our plans are not just theoretical but also practical and impactful.
• Phase 9: Upscaling – After implementation, the focus shifts to scaling solutions that have proven successful.

By following this structured roadmap, we help cities like Maia, Kifissia, and Kladno move from planning to tangible action, ensuring long-term sustainability and citizen engagement.

5. Data-Driven Cities for Smarter Decision-Making

With the support of smart technologies, PEDs harness the power of data analytics to optimise energy use, predict energy demands, and improve performance over time. By monitoring and evaluating real-time data, cities can better manage energy flows, reduce inefficiencies, and respond to challenges swiftly.

Hearing until believing

During the project different experts have us a their perspectives, experiences and insights about replication, sustainable energy transition, intercultural project management, and more!

In this episode, we talked once more about our H2020 EU-Funded project - SPARCS - speaking with one of the fellow cities of the project - Kladno in the Czech Republic, live at the Smart City Expo in Barcelona.

We welcomed David ?korňa - Head of Project SPARCSeu for the City of Kladno, as well as Gretel Schaj - Regional Manager of BABLE Iberia and the Project Lead from BABLE for the SPARCS project, and discussed replication, sustainable energy transition, intercultural project management, and more!

In this episode, we had the pleasure to speak with Merja H. , Project Manager at?KONE?and Elina Wanne , the Project Manager for the?SPARCS project?at the city of? Espoon kaupunki - Esbo stad - City of Espoo , Finland.

Not only are they our partners within the SPARCS H202 project, but they also were the perfect guests to talk about?co-creation,?stakeholders engagement?and?inclusion.

The success of the SPARCS project shows that with the right tools and connections, cities everywhere can create cleaner, healthier environments for everyone. You can see here all the implementations of the project!

Want to learn about PED Business Ecosystem and Stakeholder Engagement for free? Check this Lesson Series!

Want to know more on how to use the Toolkit in your city? Contact: Gretel Schaj [email protected]