The Data Space for Positive Energy Districts (DS4PED) aims to transform cities into data-driven, sustainable urban environments by addressing key challenges in energy, mobility, and environmental planning through data space-enabled data sharing to achieve Positive Energy Districts in the cities of Rubí and Sofia. It will be implemented within the European Data Space for Smart Communities (DS4SSCC-DEP) project, which vision revolves around creating a well-governed federated territorial, place-based data space for smart communities available for developers and infrastructure providers, aligning with the prospects outlined in Europe’s Digital Decade objectives.

Eight partners are involved in the DS4PED pilot as follows: GATE Institute, Sofia Municipality, Rubi Municipality, Zertifier, Factual Consulting, i2CAT, The Mobility Factory and Asociacion de Empresas de Energia Electrica (AELEC).

The Rubí pilot aims to leverage data sharing to create a truly sustainable energy ecosystem where electric vehicle chargers are powered with solar energy, ensuring they always operate on 100% renewable power. However, solar generation does not always align with charging demand, especially at night. To address this mismatch, any surplus solar energy is converted into ZEAC tokens, securely stored and ready for use whenever solar output decreases. Meanwhile, a real-time traceability system verifies that the electricity is genuinely green, while automated certification reduces administrative costs. This innovative approach not only transforms EV charging but also benefits broader city services. By sharing and balancing local green energy, public facilities can reduce their energy costs, while private buildings, especially those of households facing energy poverty, gain better access to affordable power. Integrating the ZertiPower platform within a shared data space guarantees that renewable energy is efficiently certified and strategically redistributed, fostering new energy communities and paving the way for cost-effective, sustainable, and positive-energy districts.

The Sofia pilot aims to transform it into a data-driven, sustainable city, addressing local challenges related to the impact of urbanisation on climate change. Using geospatial and energy consumption data, the pilot will assess the solar potential of buildings citywide, facilitating renewable energy adoption. Sharing of mobility, energy, and sensor data will enable the assessment of environmental impact by exploring phenomena such as air quality and the urban heat island. Quantifying the effects of energy use, traffic patterns, and urban density will empower urban planners to design greener spaces and make targeted interventions. Collaboration with public authorities, private companies, and citizen groups will ensure that data-sharing services effectively address high-risk congestion and pollution areas. Unified access to data will support predictive analytics for extreme weather events, enhancing readiness and response strategies. By integrating climate projections, the pilot will assess long-term impacts, supporting climate-resilient urban planning. By leveraging data to address local challenges, the pilot unites building owners, urban planners, transportation operators, environmental agencies, and residents.

The DS4PED started on the 1^st of March 2025 with a duration of 18 months. The kick-off meeting of the partners will be held on the 28^th of March 2025 in Sofia, Bulgaria.