Rather than presenting a fixed model, the PED Planning Guide offers a practical overview of what Positive Energy Districts are and how they can support cities facing growing pressure on energy systems, infrastructure and spatial development. It is intended primarily for urban practitioners, including municipal officials, planners and project leaders working on energy transition and area development, as well as developers and energy companies collaborating with cities.
Developed within ATELIER, the guide focuses on how PEDs can be planned, tested and scaled in real urban environments. Cities such as Amsterdam serve as “living labs,” where district-level solutions are explored in practice. The new PED Planning Guide builds on insights from ATELIER workshops, project documentation and on-the-ground experiences gathered throughout the project.
The publication introduces the concept of PED readiness, highlighting the organisational, spatial, technical, policy, social and financial conditions that influence whether a PED project can realistically move forward. It also provides guidance on identifying suitable areas for development and understanding the key actors involved in shaping a district-level energy project.
By translating lessons from the ATELIER project into a concise and accessible format, the guide aims to support cities in making informed early-stage decisions when exploring Positive Energy District initiatives.