SPARCS and the ASCEND (Accelerate poSitive Clean ENergy Districts) project are joining forces to host a collaborative event during Leipzig Data Week on 18 April 2024. The event, titled “Data-Driven Solutions for PEDs” will take place at the City of Leipzig’s Smart City Lab, located at Magazingasse 3, right in the heart of the city.

The event, catering to a targeted audience of 30-40 participants, will focus on municipalities, research organisations, and technical partners involved in Smart City and Community projects. SPARCS has developed several concrete approaches utilising data for the development of PEDs (Positive Energy Districts), complemented by the expertise and innovations of ASCEND.

These data-driven solutions can include tools for the development, planning, implementation, and management of PEDs. The event aims to showcase the diversity of solutions, ranging from practical approaches to scientific results, developed not only by SPARCS and ASCEND but also drawing insights from other relevant projects.

As part of Leipzig Data Week, the event will contribute to the week-long programme centred around data, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and urban development challenges. Participants have the option to register for additional events throughout Data Week, broadening their exposure to cutting-edge ideas in the field.

Spatial approach

The event will explore a spatial approach to PEDs, addressing both the city and district levels. At the city level, participants will delve into leveraging data from international, national, and local sources for achieving climate neutrality and energy transition on a city-wide scale. Discussions will include overall planning approaches and considerations for municipal heating planning, emphasising data quality and the necessary data levels.

As regards PED at the district level, the discussions will focus on data and tools for connecting local PED infrastructures, such as storage and PV systems. It will explore business models, governance for PED implementation, technical solutions, stakeholder engagement, and citizen participation.

The event promises to be an enriching exchange of knowledge and experience, fostering collaboration among municipalities, research organisations, and technical partners for the advancement of data-driven solutions in PEDs. Stay tuned for ground-breaking insights and outcomes from this collaborative initiative at Leipzig Data Week.

Cities have the chance to take advantage of the Visitor Cities grants that are available here. This grant can provide additional resources and support to implement the knowledge and tools gained during the event.

AGENDA

Participants will join for two days of groundbreaking insights into the collaborative efforts of SPARCS and ASCEND at Leipzig Data Week. This event offers an unparalleled platform to engage with industry thought leaders, learn about the latest data-driven solutions for Positive Energy Districts, and shape the future of sustainable urban development.

On the first day, attendees will delve into a variety of topics, including holistic urban planning for energy transition, with pitches from innovative projects and breakout sessions for in-depth discussions.

Moving on to the second day, here’s what’s lined up for Day 2 – Thursday, 18 April 2024. All times are Central European Time (CET) and the venue is the Smart City Lab Leipzig, Magazingasse 3, 04105 Leipzig: 

9:00 Welcome

9:15 Pitch Session 1: Holistic Urban Planning for Energy Transition

9:30-10:30 Pitches of 5-6 solutions/products/challenges

10:30 Coffee Break

10:45 Break-out Session 1 – Working groups, one per project, for in-depth exchange on the topic

11:30 Wrap-up – Joint summary and brief pitches of solutions/replication pathways

12:00-13:00 Lunch Break 13:00: Pitch Session 2: District and Building Level

13:15-14:15 Pitches of 5-6 solutions/products/challenges

14:15 Coffee Break

14:30 Break-out Session 2 – Working groups, one per project, for in-depth exchange on the topic

15:30 Wrap-up – Joint Summary and brief pitches of solutions/replication pathways

16:00 Closing of the Meeting

16:15 End of Meeting

19:00 Joint Dinner offered by the City of Leipzig

Participants will look forward to a transformative event. This unique chance to connect and collaborate with leaders in the field of sustainable urban development should not be missed. For the full event schedule, please click here.