Mapping Positive Energy: A Geographic Information System Approach to Defining Positive Energy Districts

Abstract

Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) are urban areas strategically designed to reduce climate impact and promote sustainability by maximizing renewable energy use and optimizing energy consumption. Aligned with the European Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan, the aim is to establish 100 PEDs by 2025. This study utilized the Best-Worst Method (BWM) from Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) techniques to assess criteria influencing PED boundaries. It also evaluated the effects of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) data analyses on these boundaries. The findings suggest that combining 2D and 3D data yields more comprehensive results, with 3D data enhancing assessments of solar and wind energy. Regions with access to clean energy and favorable climate are ideal for PEDs, particularly where socio-economic status and education levels are high.