FlexPEDs Information
Programme:
DUT – Driving Urban Transitions Partnership
Call:
DUT Call 2024: PED Transition Pathway
Topic:
PED Topic 3: Managing the urban energy transition: data management and decision support systemss
For more information:
DUT Call 2024
The Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) Call 2024, launched in September 2024, is the third call of the DUT Partnership co-funded by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe framework programme.
The call supports transnational research and innovation projects addressing key urban challenges and aims to help cities transition towards more sustainable, resilient and efficient urban systems. The supported projects contribute to the development and implementation of innovative solutions that facilitate sustainable urban transformation.
The challenges addressed by the call are structured around three thematic Transition Pathways:
- 15-minute City (15mC)
- Circular Urban Economies (CUE)
- Positive Energy Districts (PED)
The FlexPED project contributes to the PED Transition Pathway, focusing on PED Topic 3: Managing the urban energy transition: data management and decision support systems. The project follows a Research-Oriented Approach (ROA) and aims to develop advanced methods and tools for managing energy data and supporting decision-making in urban energy systems.
Our Mission Outline
The FlexPED project aims to support the development of PEDs by improving the management and use of urban energy data. The project will develop an AI-powered Urban Digital Twin (UDT) platform that integrates real-time energy data, forecasting models and decision-support tools to optimise energy use and support flexibility strategies in cities.
By combining AI-based forecasting and agent-based simulations, the platform will model interactions between buildings, households, electric vehicles and other urban elements, enabling stakeholders to test and evaluate energy management strategies before their real-world implementation.
The solutions developed in the project will be tested in two demonstration districts in Stuttgart (Germany) and Sofia (Bulgaria). The project aims to deliver an open, scalable framework that supports data-driven decision-making and helps cities accelerate their transition to climate-neutral, energy-efficient urban districts.
Our Goals
FlexPED addresses the growing complexity of managing urban energy systems and the need for better integration of data, technologies and stakeholders in the transition towards PEDs.
Unlocking New Value Through AI-Driven Forecasting, Simulation, and Generative Interfaces
FlexPED will develop advanced AI-based forecasting models that integrate multiple data sources such as energy demand, renewable generation, weather conditions and mobility patterns. These tools will enable more accurate and responsive management of energy systems at the district level..
Supporting the Public Sector and City Authorities
The project will create a UDT platform that combines real-time energy data, simulations, and visualisation tools. This platform will support data-driven decision-making for municipalities, energy providers, and urban planners.
Enabling New Models for Energy Providers
Using agent-based simulations, FlexPED will model interactions among buildings, households, electric vehicles, and other urban components. This will help design and evaluate energy flexibility strategies that improve the efficiency and resilience of urban energy systems.
Engaging Civil Society and Citizens
FlexPED will provide accessible tools and interactive interfaces that enable cities, energy providers, and citizens to better understand energy consumption patterns and participate in the transition towards sustainable urban energy systems.
