Assessing The Positive Energy District Potential in the Urban Environment: A Case Study in Central Italy

The increasing demand for energy in urban environments, combined with the urgent need to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, presents significant challenges for achieving sustainable urban development. This study investigates the potential of Positive Energy Districts as a strategy to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions, focusing on the Testaccio district in Rome, Italy. Using the City Energy Analyst software, the district’s energy consumption was modeled and analyzed, taking into account the influence of the microclimate, building characteristics, and existing energy systems. Initial results revealed an electricity demand of 23,421.36 MWh and an annual thermal energy input requirement of 2,837,499.50 Sm3 of natural gas, highlighting weaknesses to be addressed. The study and hypothesis of some targeted improvement scenarios have allowed us to have only electricity consumption, reducing demand by 25.25%. The instal lation of renewable energy systems has ensured energy production that exceeds the district’s energy needs, making Testaccio a PED. This study confirms the effectiveness of PEDs as key tools for the urban energy transition and provides a replicable methodology for other cities.