SYSPEQ (Systemic Solution for the Operation of Plus-Energy Quarters)
The goal of SYSPEQ is to develop fully comprehensive planning concepts for Plus-Energy Quarters (PEQs) that are not limited to new construction projects but consider the entire building life cycle. It particularly focuses on investigating ways to implement PEQs in existing buildings. Previous projects concerning PEQs have mostly been limited to capital-intensive new construction projects. Therefore, this project focuses on the implementation of PEQs in the field of social housing. In doing so, legal, organizational and financial issues are addressed.
The possibilities in the field of PEQs have been significantly expanded by the new legal conditions of the Renewable Energy Expansion Act, which allows cross-building energy exchange. This project therefore investigates the operation of a PEQ as an energy community (EC) by different stakeholders. In particular, the more complex situation of social housing developers is examined. The possibilities as well as limitations of a legal, organizational and implementation nature are analyzed.
For the proof-of-concept, the Plus-Energetic planning and implementation of a PEQ as well as its operation as an EC will be carried out on the basis of the Fuchsenloch neighborhood (in the administrative portfolio of social housing), consisting of old buildings as well as new buildings in the planning phase. Residents are involved through targeted surveys and information. A plot of land in the Rothneusiedl urban development area (Vienna South, social housing) is being planned with regard to the optimal design of renewable generation systems and user structure (residential, commercial, office buildings, etc.). The different characteristics of the two quarters guarantee replicability.
Financing options are evaluated for renewable generation assets (RGAs) in PEQs and ECs from the perspective of different stakeholders. The most essential factors for the valuation of RGAs are specified, with the aim of developing a concept for standardizing technical/financial due diligence. Furthermore, energy supply contracts, with a special focus on Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) between PEQs or ECs and different stakeholders are investigated. The benefits and risks are quantified in the context of long-term contracts and possibilities of customer retention in ECs. The intensive collaboration of different stakeholders should allow joint business models to develop.
In addition, a multifunctional match-making platform will be developed to (i) provide information, (ii) find perfect matches for PEQ and EC business relationships, (iii) provide information on energy and cash flows of active ECs for residents, and (iv) promote community intelligence by providing best practice examples. The coupling with the 7Energy platform completes the approach of networking and knowledge-sharing.
