At a global level, the need for energy efficiency and an increased share of renewable energy sources is evident, as is the crucial role of cities due to the rapid urbanization rate. As a consequence of this, the research work related to Positive Energy Districts (PED) has accelerated in recent years. A common shared definition, as well as technological approaches or methodological issues related to PEDs are still unclear in this development and a global scientific discussion is needed. The International Energy Agency’s Energy in Buildings and Communities Programme (IEA EBC) Annex 83 is the main platform for this international scientific debate and research. This paper describes the challenges of PEDs and the issues that are open for discussions and how the Annex 83 is planned and organized to facilitate this and to actively steer the development of PEDs major leaps forward. The main topics of discussion in the PED context are the role and importance of definitions of PEDs, virtual and geographical boundaries in PEDs, the role of different stakeholders, evaluation approaches, and the learnings of realized PED projects.

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Despite the huge primary energy consumption associated with heating and cooling (H&C) demand in EU building stock, the share of installed renewable H&C solutions is still marginal (i.e. 5%). In order to speed up a transition towards the widespread application of renewable H&C in buildings, innovative solutions are designed to compete against traditional solutions. SunHorizon project aims to demonstrate the potential for a user-friendly and costeffective solution based on an optimized design and combination of commercial innovative solar technologies (thermal or/and PV) and Heat Pumps (HP). This paper presents how different technologies (two solar panels, three HPs and thermal storage) have been coupled in four different Technology Packages (TPs) to satisfy H&C demand of both residential and tertiary buildings. Preliminary thermo-economic TRNSYS simulation results are presented about four demo sites in Latvia, Germany and Spain, to demonstrate such innovative solutions able to cover up to 80% of H&C demand with a reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions up to 70%.

During the day of October 7-8, the congress has invited experts from the sector of Smart Cities to organize a sectoral debate. This debate will be composed of prestigious companies in the sector, Public Administration, as well as specialized consultants. The aim is to give a business point of view around Smart Cities. CYTED is the Ibero-American Program of Science and Technology for Development, created by the governments of Ibero-American countries to promote cooperation on issues of science, technology and innovation for the harmonious development of Ibero-America. CYTED achieves its objectives through different financing instruments that mobilize Ibero-American entrepreneurs, researchers and experts and allow them to be trained and generate joint research, development and innovation projects. Thus, the countries that make up the CYTED Program are able to keep up to date with the most recent advances and scientific-technological developments.

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