The assessment method works with a key performance indicator system with 6 indicators. For 5 of these 6 indicators a certain threshold has to be met to reach overall PED status. The different indicators stand for the different PED principles. We defined 6 principles that a PED should fulfill. They are shown in the chart below. Please click on the KPIs to obtain more detailed information on how they are calculated.
In the following we give an overview over the different KPIs, the corresponding principles and how the KPIs are calculated.
The positive energy balance should stay as one of the core principles of PEDs by ensuring that all district types can reach a positive energy balance. This is done by defining the KPI accordingly:
KPI Final energy balance: The energy balance is calculated with final energy demand values while many assessment methods used primary energy values in the past by using primary energy factors. We opt against the usage of primary energy factors for different reasons, one of them being that they are not the same in different countries of the EU. For more information we refer to [Source PED paper]. We propose calculating a final energy demand balance where the import of renewable energy is included in the balance allowing districts with low potential for renewables to import energy to cover their demand.
To reach climate neutrality the installation of renewable energy potentials on a large scale is indispensable. For example the new Remod scenarios show that we need between 200 and 340 GW of rooftop PV to reach climate neutrality in 2045. The overall German potential lies at 350 GW, which means that the potential has to be used by 57–67% depending on the scenario. There will be variations between districts but the magnitude of scale of the needed share shows that in every district a high share of the given potential has to be used.
KPI Utilized renewable energy potential: Therefore, for reaching PED status we define that minimum 60% of the overall RE potential in a district should be used. This mainly concerns PV rooftop potential as wind and PV free field potential play only a minor role in the urban context. Free field and wind potential can be implemented in the assessment when specific areas have already been assigned for the implementation of these technologies.
Efficient use of energy is a key principle of the energy transformation as less energy demand directly leads to less installed capacities of energy supply technologies and therefore less costs. The European building sector consists of many old buildings with bad efficiency standards. Refurbishment reduces energy demand for heating and also lowers the needed flow temperature for heating systems which eases the integration of renewable heating technologies.
KPI Heating demand threshold: We define a heating demand threshold based on a certain refurbishment standard which should be achieved on average in the district. The data basis is the IWU building typology giving specific heating demands of different building types in different EU countries in different refurbishment scenarios. With the given building composition in a district, the heating demand of the refurbished district can be calculated based on the IWU values and serves as the threshold for the PED assessment.
No district has to reach climate neutrality on its own and energy exchange between different districts is advocated when meaningful. Energy exchange within PEDs and beyond is essential for balancing supply and demand in real time. Surplus energy that cannot be stored can be exported to neighborhoods with a generation deficit, while imports from nearby regions can help compensate for local deficits.
KPI Residual load: This indicator shows when electricity is imported and exported in a district. The tool includes a residual load calculator to visualize the residual load with and without storage capacity. While a precise quantitative assessment is difficult due to uncertainties (e.g. electrification of heating and mobility, weather conditions), the residual load gives insight into times when electricity has to be imported or can be exported.
Flexibility assesses the possibility of shifting energy demand or supply to achieve a better match between supply and demand. Integration of renewable energies requires flexibility in the energy system, which can be achieved through demand-side management, sector coupling, and energy storage.
KPI Smart grid solutions: This KPI evaluates whether a district has implemented flexibility measures such as energy storage, heat pumps, EV charging, or demand response. Districts are expected to integrate at least one flexibility measure, while multiple solutions are encouraged to maximize flexibility potential.
The use of locally generated electricity in neighborhoods reduces load on the grid and improves economic efficiency of renewable systems. It also increases resilience and energy security while aligning with European policy goals.
KPI Storage capacity: This indicator measures whether storage capacity in a district is sufficient to support installed renewable energy systems, particularly PV. It emphasizes aligning storage with local renewable generation to improve resilience and self-consumption. While the focus is on PV due to practical considerations, wind energy can be included where relevant.