Analysing positive energy district concept for energy system transformation: Revealing enablers & barriers

Abstract

Global population growth and the continuous development of industrialisation increase the need and demand for energy day by day. Traditional energy supply methods are among the main causes of the worldwide ecological crisis. For this reason, the search for alternative energy sources is on the agenda; biomass, wave energy, solar, hydraulic energy, geothermal energy and wind energy, which can be listed as renewable resources are increasing. How these trends can be integrated into cities around the world and their effects on urbanisation continue to be discussed. This study introduces the concept of PED, which is defined for energy system transformation and developed by the EU in the second half of the 2010s. By evaluating this concept in sociotechnical contexts, it aims to reveal the enablers and barriers affecting the implementation of the concept. The data collection methods used in the study are systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews. The main data collection method in this thesis is systematic literature review and it has brought together the studies on this subject with the help of the criteria applied. A theoretical framework has been determined together with the classifications related to enablers and barriers. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with highly representative participants from Turkey in order to test the findings of the systematic literature review and to cover the issues encountered in implementation. Through these interviews, limited findings specific to the sociotechnical framework of Turkey were obtained. As a result of the study, it is claimed that the concept of PED is both technical and social, that is, a sociotechnical concept. To conclude, this study enhances our understanding of EST by presenting PEDs as evolving, collaborative frameworks. It clarifies both the enablers and barriers influencing PED deployment and proposes practical strategies for various stakeholders. These are categorised under the four main headings of enablers and barriers encountered in stakeholder relations, enablers and barriers in social elements, enablers and barriers faced by local governments, and relevant policies and legal framework. By integrating both technical and societal perspectives, PEDs are positioned to advance EST significantly, offering substantial contributions towards achieving global goals of carbon neutrality and energy justice.