PEDvolution Open Call for Demonstrators: Positive Energy Districts (PEDs)

By fostering collaboration between the PEDvolution consortium and selected PEDs, the call seeks to accelerate the integration and interoperability of advanced energy systems, improve energy efficiency, and enhance community engagement.

Participating PEDs will gain access to cutting edge tools, technical expertise, and financial support, enabling them to contribute to the development of scalable and sustainable energy solutions while strengthening their own operational and commercial readiness. This initiative also promotes knowledge sharing and the potential standardisation of best practices across Europe, paving the way for a broader impact.

Scope

• The PEDvolution Open Call invites Positive Energy Districts (PEDs), municipalities, energy communities, and urban developers to participate in the demonstration and validation of interoperable solutions that accelerate sustainable urban transformation. This call aims to enhance energy efficiency, sector integration, digital interoperability, and community-driven innovation within PEDs across Europe
• Strategic Focus
  • The PEDvolution project is pioneering the evolution of PEDs by developing seven interoperable solutions that enhance energy flexibility, social engagement, and business model innovation. Recognizing that PEDs must adapt to evolving regulatory, market, and technological conditions, PEDvolution provides dynamic tools and methodologies to support their long-term sustainability and scalability.
• Definition of Positive Energy Districts:
  • Positive Energy Districts are energy-efficient, energy-flexible urban areas or groups of interconnected buildings designed to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and generate an annual positive energy balance. They actively manage energy flows through the integration of renewable energy sources, buildings, mobility, energy, and ICT systems. PEDs prioritize the use of local renewable resources and aim to enhance the interaction between these systems to deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits to the community. Effective implementation of PEDs requires a multi-sectoral approach, clear spatial boundaries, and alignment with broader energy systems to ensure sustainability and resilience.

Funding Information

• The total budget for this call is €150,000, with individual grants ranging from €30,000 to €50,000 per selected Applicant. Funding will be distributed based on the proposed activities and the potential added value of each PED testing the PEDvolution solutions. PEDvolution funding is provided as a lump sum grant.Τhe funding is associated with the full achievement of the relevant deliverables & milestones and will be disbursed in three instalments:
  • An advance payment: 30%of the sub-grant amount upon signature of the contract(Annex V–sub-grant agreement).
  • Installment 1: 30% of the sub-grant amount, after completion of the Onboarding Phase(July-December 2025)and following delivery of required data, metrics and KPI’s.
  • Installment 2 (final payment): the remaining 40%will be reimbursed after completion of Demonstration, Validation, and Revision Phase upon successful project completion, after submission and approval of the final Periodic Report(Q1-Q2 of2027),including the work carried out and the financial costs incurred, which must be approved by the European Commission Services and after the final payment is transferred from the European Commission to the Coordinator.
• Applicants should describe how the budget will be allocated to support the implementation of PEDvolution solutions. Examples include:
  • Costs covering data analysis services or technical assessment, necessary for the implementation of the PEDvolution solutions
  • Installing or upgrading measurement and control instruments or sensors for monitoring and managing energy assets.
  • Conducting community engagement activities or awareness campaigns.
  • Integrating new tools, software, or technologies to support energy management and interoperability.
  • Addressing infrastructure upgrades for renewable energy integration.

What selected applicants will do?

• Successful applicants will test, validate, and provide feedback on a number of the following PEDvolution solutions, helping to refine them for broader application across different urban environments:
  • PED Design and Planning Toolset
    • Description: A Digital Twin planning tool that helps developers and city planners simulate and optimise energy systems at both building and district levels.
    • Key Functionalities:
      • Accurate energy modeling of buildings and district assets.
      • Optimised renovation pathways for district heating and cooling.
      • Data-driven decision-making to reduce techno-economic risks.
      • Optimal implementation and investment pathways of DHC.
  • Dynamic Decision Support Guideline
    • Description: A structured workflow and targeted guideline system that assists decision-makers in selecting the best technologies, urban planning strategies, and renewable energy integration approaches.
    • Key Functionalities:
      • Real-time guidance based on local conditions.
      • Helps PEDs assess trade-offs between cost, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
      • Supports urban planners and PED developers in making informed investment decisions.
  • PED Energy Manager
    • Description: A multi-level toolset for optimising energy flows, utilising flexibility within a PED, and integrating with energy markets.
    • Key Functionalities:
      • Real-time monitoring and optimal control of distributed energy processes in residential and non-residential sectors.
      • Demand response and flexibility management.
      • Holistic optimization of energy flows across multiple energy vectors (cross-sector).
      • Enables integration with energy markets to exploit demand-side flexibility.
  • Data Exchange, Integration & Interoperability Platform
    • Description: A secure data exchange platform that ensures seamless communication between PED assets, PEDvolution solutions, and external to the PED systems.
    • Key Functionalities:
      • Standardised data exchange interfaces for seamless connectivity.
      • Privacy and security compliance with GDPR and other regulations.
      • Enables PEDs to integrate with local DSOs, markets, and smart grid infrastructures.
  • PED Readiness Assessment Framework
    • Description: A systematic evaluation methodology to assess how well a district or neighborhood meets Positive Energy District (PED) criteria.
    • Key Functionalities:
      • Builds on existing EU and international standards for building and community assessment.
      • Uses a structured system based on sets of criteria and KPIs.
      • Provides a lifecycle approach, highlighting potential improvements over time to guide PED evolution.
  • PED Business Models Innovation Tool
    • Description: A business modeling tool tailored to PEDs, helping stakeholders develop viable and scalable business models.
    • Key Functionalities:
      • Offers pre-tested business model patterns for community-based solutions.
      • Helps PEDs adapt models to their local context.
      • Supports economic feasibility and long-term market integration.
  • PED Social Innovation
    • Description: A methodology for stakeholder.
    • Key Functionalities:
      • Assesses the current state of community.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
  • Be a legal entity established in an EU Member State, Associated Country, or other eligible country as defined in the European Comission website.
  • Belong to one of the following categories: e.g., SMEs, startups, research organizations, municipalities, etc.
  • Address the specific financial requirements and conditions of the call outlined.
  • Comply with Horizon Europe rules on financial support to third parties

For more information, visit EC.