EKA+

Positive Energy Districts in Kanta-Häme

Project information

Project	Positive Energy Districts in Kanta-Häme (EKA+)
Duration	1.4.2025-30.9.2027
Partners	Häme University of Applied Sciences Sykli – Environmental College
Funders	Regional Council of Häme
Budget	561 562 €

In the Positive Energy Districts in Kanta-Häme (EKA+) project, we aim to enhance the energy efficiency and energy security of the Tavastia Proper region by developing positive energy districts (PEDs) using systemic design methods.

In positive energy districts (PEDs), more renewable, emission-free energy is produced annually than is consumed. These areas are energy-efficient and energy-flexible, requiring the integration of different energy systems and interaction between buildings, users, and regional energy, transportation, and ICT systems.

In the project, we produce information about existing positive energy districts, identify the actors and new innovations needed for the development of these areas, and create a data management plan. We also develop optimization strategies for positive energy districts based on several sustainability criteria. Additionally, we develop a systemic design framework and approach, utilizing effective collaboration models between different target groups of positive energy districts. Finally, we make strategic proposals and plans for positive energy districts in the Tavastia Proper region.

The unique and innovative aspect of the project is its implementation method. We implement the project using a systemic design process, which allows us to examine positive energy districts and their development comprehensively, involving various actors in the common dialogue around them and strengthening the interaction between different actors. In addition to the working process, we bring novelty value to positive energy districts projects and research by considering energy types comprehensively in terms of system integration.

With the project, we support the carbon neutrality goals of the Tavastia Proper region by investigating and developing epositive energy districts, whose development increases energy efficiency, energy flexibility, diversifies the energy sources used, such as the use of renewable energy, and increases energy security.

The Sustainable Energy Systems research group implements the project together with the SYKLI Environmental College.

Target group

The project’s target groups are small and medium-sized enterprises of various types, both as energy consumers, energy producers, and energy transmitters, as well as energy application developers. Additionally, the target groups include property owners and cities and municipalities as area developers.

Operating area

The project operates in the Tavastia Proper region.

Project goals and results

GOALS

Produce information about existing positive energy districts for the actors in the Tavastia Proper region.
Create an operational recommendation for the property economic considerations required for the implementation of positive energy districts.
Investigate the systemic design framework (Systemic Design) and approach, utilizing effective collaboration models between different target groups of positive energy districts, emphasizing cooperation in energy efficiency measures.
Identify the actors and new innovations still needed (e.g., technological innovations, new business opportunities) to promote green and digital entrepreneurship.
Produce a data management plan and develop optimization strategies for positive energy districts based on several sustainability criteria.
Make 1-3 strategic proposals for positive energy districts in the Tavastia Proper region and create a plan to promote them.

EXPECTED RESULTS

Current state analysis of positive energy districts and investigation of future trends and emerging innovations related to positive energy districts.
Investigations related to the regulation and property economic viability of positive energy districts.
New operational models developed with partners to renew energy ecosystems.
Optimization strategies and data management plan for positive energy districts.
Strategic plans for 1-3 positive energy districts in Tavastia Proper.
Creating and maintaining networks that support co-development around the topic’s actors.