SMART-PEDs

To address these challenges, SMART-PEDs will develop a systemic framework and an open-source, multi-scale decision-support toolbox. This toolbox will empower users to simulate PED scenarios, assess techno-economic feasibility, evaluate socio-economic and energy justice impacts, and navigate regulatory complexities.

The work will be grounded in a transdisciplinary, co-creation methodology within four diverse urban Living Labs: Lyngby-Taarbæk (Denmark), Lund (Sweden), Winterthur (Switzerland), and Fuengirola (Spain). In these real-world settings, we will work directly with municipal planners, energy providers, SMEs, and community representatives to test, validate, and refine the framework and toolbox. This ensures our solutions are practical, user-centric, and adaptable to varied climatic, social, and regulatory contexts, directly contributing to evidence-based and equitable urban planning.

The main impact of SMART-PEDs will be the enhanced capacity of European municipalities and stakeholders to plan and implement PEDs strategically and equitably. We expect to accelerate the urban energy transition by delivering a validated, open-access toolbox that makes sophisticated planning accessible, alongside a Best Practice Guide and actionable policy recommendations.

Tangible benefits will include enabling a 10-15% increase in local renewable deployment in pilot areas, achieving a validated 10% reduction in energy poverty indicators for participating low-income households, and training at least 50 stakeholders in advanced PED planning. By strengthening private sector innovation for SMEs and grounding the transition in energy justice, SMART-PEDs will contribute to the development of more resilient, climate-neutral, and inclusive urban communities across Europe.