Advancing Carbon Neutrality and Positive Energy Districts in Urban Development

On February 12, 2025, RESPONSE was proudly represented at Business Arena Finland, under the Urban Development Stage. Helmi Andersson, Project Coordinator for the City of Turku, took the stage to discuss carbon neutrality and positive energy districts, highlighting Turku’s efforts to become a climate-positive city.

Turku’s Path to Carbon Neutrality

The city of Turku is committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2029 and a leading climate and nature city by 2030. A key initiative in this transition is the development of a Positive Energy District (PED)—an urban area that generates more renewable energy than it consumes annually, contributing its surplus energy to the surrounding city.

Innovation at Turku Student Village PED

In collaboration with companies and research institutions, Turku is developing the Turku Student Village PED, funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 program. The district integrates cutting-edge solutions, such as phase change thermal storage, smart control systems, and efficient heat pump technology, to drive energy efficiency and sustainability.

An Interactive Platform for Urban Development Discussions

Business Arena Finland provided an engaging format where participants could interact with speakers and industry experts. The discussions delved into the impact of demographics on real estate, the city of Tampere’s growth strategies, and trends in the hotel market.

With Jon Forssell as host, RESPONSE’s participation underscored the importance of collaborative innovation in achieving sustainable urban energy solutions.

Find out more about the event: Business Arena Finland 2025.

The RESPONSE Project hosted its 7th webinar, focusing on Heat and Electric Storage Sustainable Solutions in Dijon and Turku. The online event took place on January 23, 2025, from 11:00 to 12:00 CET, bringing together experts to discuss innovative energy storage technologies that enhance grid flexibility and sustainability.

This session provided an in-depth look at the integrated solutions developed under the RESPONSE project’s energy transition strategy. The discussions centered around grid flexibility strategies and novel storage systems designed to optimize energy flows, maximize self-consumption, and reduce grid stress.

Insights from Experts on Innovative Energy Storage Solutions

The webinar featured key industry professionals who shared their expertise on sustainable energy storage.

Hadrien Rouchette (Dijon Métropole) explained the general goals of the project, which include converting two districts in Dijon and Turku into positive-energy districts, mobilizing innovation to implement optimal solutions for energy savings and local renewable energy production, including residents in the ecological transition to improve living conditions, and developing a monitoring tool for environmental and climate indicators for the territory. He also explored innovative solutions such as Phase Change Material (PCM) Tanks and the implementation of a Super Energy Management System within the ecosystem.

William Edrich (Sunamp) shared insights on the aim of this Innovative Element (IE), discussing design iterations, final installations, and business models applied to Turku. He examined the feasibility of a commercial Heat as a Service (HaaS) model, which arbitrages between the high and low costs of heat generation. This approach minimizes the capital requirement for the end client while also sharing operational risks between the client and the equipment supplier.

Djawad Hamache and Van Hoa Nguyen (EDF) presented Innovative Solution 3 (TA 3 Sustainable Energy Storage), which focuses on storing energy surplus and utilizing it when most needed. The objectives of this solution are to maximize self-consumption, optimize energy flows, and reduce grid stress. The solution incorporates two types of energy storage: electrical and thermal. It is divided into two parts: IS 3.1 Novel Electricity Storage, which provides flexibility to the energy system, and IS 3.2 Novel Heat Storage, which further contributes to system flexibility.

Agenda Overview

The session covered essential topics, including:

• Welcome and Introduction – Ana Fernandes (SPI)
• Sustainable Energy Storage (IS3) in RESPONSE – Hadrien Rouchette (Dijon Métropole)
• Heat Storage Solutions in Turku – William Edrich (Sunamp)
• SuperEMS – Dijon Demonstration: Energy Storage for Self-Consumption and Flexibility – Djawad Hamache & Van Hoa Nguyen (EDF)
• Q&A Session – Moderated by Ana Fernandes (SPI)

Key Takeaways

Attendees gained valuable insights into how innovative storage technologies are being implemented in Dijon and Turku to support the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy system. The webinar emphasized the importance of integrating storage solutions into urban energy networks to improve efficiency and sustainability.

The RESPONSE Project remains committed to fostering knowledge exchange and innovation in sustainable energy solutions. Stay tuned for future webinars and events that continue to drive the energy transition forward.

To watch the full recording, access here.

The RESPONSE Project announces the 7th RESPONSE Webinar focused on Heat and Electric Storage Sustainable Solutions in Dijon and Turku. The webinar will take place on 23rd January 2025 from 11:00 to 12:00 CET.

This session will highlight the integrated solutions adopted by the RESPONSE project in its energy transition strategy. The webinar will focus on grid flexibility strategies and novel storage systems designed to optimize energy flows, maximize self-consumption, and reduce grid stress.

Key Speakers:

• Djawad Hamache and Van Hoa Nguyen from EDF
• William Edrich from Sunamp
• Moderated by Ana Fernandes from SPI

The session will provide participants with insights into the sustainable storage solutions implemented in the cities of Dijon and Turku as part of the RESPONSE project.

Event Details:

• Date: 23rd January 2025
• Time: 11:00 to 12:00 CET
• Registration: Register Here

Webinar Agenda:

1. Welcome and Introduction | Ana Fernandes (SPI)
2. Sustainable Energy Storage (IS3) in RESPONSE | Hadrien Rouchette (Dijon Metropole)
3. Heat Storage Solutions in Turku | William Edrich (Sunamp)
4. SuperEMS – Dijon Demonstration – Energy storage for autoconsumption and flexibility | Djawad Hamache (EDF) and Van Hoa Nguyen (EDF)
5. Q&A | Ana Fernandes (SPI)

 This webinar offers a valuable opportunity for professionals and stakeholders to explore how innovative storage technologies can accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

As we welcome 2025, the H2020 RESPONSE project is delighted to present the 8th edition of its Newsletter, offering a retrospective of the key milestones and achievements from the second half of 2024.

In this edition, we revisit the progress made across our Positive Energy Districts (PEDs), innovative energy solutions, and the collective efforts of our partners, all contributing to the vision of creating smarter, greener, and more sustainable cities in Europe.

Key Highlights from the Second Half of 2024

1. Turku PED Heat Pump Recognized as “Heat Pump City of the Year”
   The innovative heat pump solution developed in Turku’s Student Village PED was awarded first place by the European Heat Pump Association in September 2024. This system, which combines circular economy principles with high efficiency, exemplifies collaboration between research, business, and city leadership.

2. Solarisation of Social Housing in Dijon
   New photovoltaic (PV) pergolas were installed on the roofs of two social housing blocks in Dijon as part of a collective self-consumption initiative. Set to launch in Spring 2025, this effort promises reduced energy costs and a positive financial impact for tenants.

3. Introduction of LEV Chargers in Turku
   Two Light Electric Vehicle chargers were installed in the Turku PED, offering free charging for e-bikes and other light electric vehicles. Strategically located along cycling routes, these chargers provide fast and efficient solutions for sustainable transportation.

4. Active Participation in Global and Local Events

   • Smart Cities Expo World Congress (Barcelona): RESPONSE shared its vision of sustainable urban development through sessions, workshops, and panel discussions, highlighting strategies for scaling Positive Energy Districts.
   • Ecological and Digital Transition Festival (Dijon): RESPONSE engaged with students and professionals, presenting career opportunities and fostering a new generation of sustainability experts.

5. Collaborative Webinar on PV Installations and Self-Consumption
   Together with NEUTRALPATH, RESPONSE hosted a webinar exploring the integration of photovoltaic energy in Positive Energy Districts, showcasing successful models from Zaragoza, Dijon, and Turku.

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2025, RESPONSE remains committed to its mission of accelerating sustainable urban transformations. The project will continue to share insights, innovations, and success stories to inspire replication and scale across Europe.

📖 Dive into the full Newsletter to learn more about these exciting developments and upcoming events: Newsletter 8.

The fourth edition of the Ecological and Digital Transition Festival provided students with insights into Dijon’s transition goals through the RESPONSE project, highlighting future career opportunities in sustainable innovation.

The fourth edition of the Ecological and Digital Transition Festival took place from 4 November to 8 December 2024. It featured 90 events in a variety of formats, which aimed to understand the challenges of the ecological and digital transition, and to help people discover the trainings and careers that contribute to it in Burgundy-Franche-Comté thanks to a tailor-made programme around these challenges: exhibitions, conferences, hackathons, and visits of companies or laboratories. 

The festival is particularly aimed at “learners” (secondary school students, university students and apprentices), including people undergoing career change and job seekers, teachers and employees. 

This was the context in which the Green City – Campus des Métiers organised the second ‘” Your Job of Tomorrow, a sustainable, low-carbon city ‘’ forum in Dijon from 2 to 4 December.   

This forum is an experience during which visitors are given a mission that will lead them to work together to identify and mobilise key skills for a project that contributes to decarbonisation. 

EDF and Dijon Métropole presented the RESPONSE model and the city’s civic services demonstrated the “Draw your Positive Energy District” board game developed as part of the project, to introduce students to the context of the city’s decarbonisation. 

Using the example of RESPONSE in Dijon, the students learned not only about the objectives of the city’s transition, but also about the career opportunities, it offers. Encouraged by this introduction, they then discovered the jobs of the future in several workshops run by schools and companies. 

In November, Finnish Lighthouse project cities gathered in Vantaa to exchange practices. During the two-day event, cities shared updates and experiences in developing positive energy districts (PEDs) and delved into pressing challenges of urban energy transitions.

The focus of November’s Lighthouse City network meeting was on replication and carbon neutrality in urban planning. The meeting gathered participants from Tampere (STARDUST), Oulu (MAKINGCITY), Espoo (SPARCS), Vantaa (NEUTRALPATH), and Turku (RESPONSE).

The first day of the meeting was dedicated to exchange on replication in Turku and Vantaa, and the ongoing work for energy transition in those cities that have already concluded their respective Lighthouse project. The second day of the meeting focused on energy planning and carbon footprints as integral components of urban planning. In addition, a workshop on the concept of “Nordic PEDs” was organised, focusing on what solutions “PED thinking” can provide to the energy transition in Nordic cities.

Examining the city through a PED lens can enable us to harness the full energy potential of the built environment, e.g. through capture of waste heat and increase of RES production. However, a critical challenge for scaling PEDs at city level lies in fostering and sustaining the kind of multistakeholder collaboration that are needed for successful implementation. New kinds of business and contractual models, which allow stakeholders to share benefits equitably, are needed to ensure broadscale adoption of PED practices. Finally, a key factor for scaling is related to the underlying structure of the city. In cities that are still expanding, the role of urban planning in new districts is highlighted.

Although some of the Lighthouse Projects have already ended, there is still much to share and learn between the project cities. Indeed, the fact that the projects are at different stages provides an excellent opportunity to compare various solutions.

The Finnish Lighthouse City network meets a few times a year to discuss ongoing work and relevant topics. November’s meeting was organised by the City of Vantaa and NEUTRALPATH project.

The Finnish Lighthouse City Network allows cities operating within the same legislative framework, faced with similar challenges and opportunities, to connect and foster mutual support. Ultimately, this advances development and strengthens the overall success of all the projects involved. November’s meeting was organised by the City of Vantaa and NEUTRALPATH project.

Key strengths identified included the need to address energy efficiency, waste heat utilization, renewable energy, and system flexibility from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders. Regional systems require collaborative solutions to harness the energy potential of the built environment, supported by business and contractual models that distribute benefits equitably. Energy efficiency must also translate into predictable and competitive pricing for end users.

The RESPONSE team once more took part in the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC), the premier global event for cities and urban innovation, which took place this year from 5-7 November 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. 

The RESPONSE team once more took part in the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC), the premier global event for cities and urban innovation, which took place this year from 5-7 November 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. 

An evening filled with scientific demonstrations, interactive workshops, and cutting-edge innovations that captivated students, researchers, and the public.

The National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) recently hosted its annual Researcher’s Night on 27th September 2024, from 17:00 to 22:00, at the university’s central campus. Organized by the Thermal Engineering Section of the School of Mechanical Engineering, the event brought together members of the scientific community, students, and the general public for an engaging half-day of science and innovation.

The program featured:

• Science Experiment Demonstrations: Hands-on experiments that brought scientific concepts to life.
• Interactive Workshops: Engaging sessions where participants experienced cutting-edge technological and scientific processes.
• Discussions and Speeches by Leading Scientists: Prominent experts shared their insights into the latest research trends in thermal engineering and other fields.
• Technological Innovations and Presentations: Attendees discovered breakthroughs and technologies shaping the future of engineering and science.

This event provided a unique opportunity for participants to learn, network, and immerse themselves in the world of science and innovation. It was a great success, showcasing the dynamic research happening at NTUA.

For more information, contact ntuaren@central.ntua.gr.