28–29 January 2026 | Lugano, Switzerland
At the end of January, the InterPED consortium gathered in Lugano for the project’s 5th Plenary Meeting, hosted by our partners AEM and SUPSI. Over two days, partners came together to review project progress, strengthen collaboration across work packages, and engage directly with one of InterPED’s pilot sites: the Arena Innovation Community.
The meeting combined strategic discussions, technical exchanges, and a hands-on pilot visit, reinforcing InterPED’s shared commitment to developing Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) that are both technologically advanced and socially grounded.
Day 1 – Aligning Progress Across Work Packages and Pilots
The first day of the General Assembly focused on coordination, knowledge exchange, and cross-project alignment. Partners shared updates on ongoing activities across project work packages, highlighting how technical development, citizen engagement, interoperability, validation, and dissemination efforts are progressing in parallel.
A central highlight of the day was the Pilots Workshop, where representatives from all four InterPED pilot sites presented recent developments and experiences:
- Lugaritz–Matía Community (Spain)
- Findhorn Ecovillage (United Kingdom)
- Arena Innovation Community (Switzerland)
- Alba Iulia College District (Romania)
These exchanges provided valuable peer learning opportunities, allowing pilots to share lessons learned and explore how local solutions can inform broader replication across Europe.
The day concluded with a social dinner in Lugano, offering a relaxed setting for continued dialogue and collaboration among partners.
Day 2 – Visiting the Arena Innovation Community Pilot
On the second day, participants travelled to Capriasca to visit the Arena Innovation Community, one of InterPED’s pilot sites. The site visit offered first-hand insight into how energy systems, infrastructure, and community-level solutions are being implemented and tested in a real-world context.
Walking through the pilot area, partners explored key facilities and discussed how technical solutions interact with local needs, governance structures, and everyday use. The visit highlighted the importance of grounding technological innovation in place-based realities and demonstrated how pilot sites act as living laboratories for Positive Energy District concepts.
Strengthening Collaboration for Scalable PED Solutions
The Lugano plenary meeting reaffirmed the value of face-to-face collaboration in complex, multidisciplinary projects like InterPED. By combining structured discussions with practical site engagement, the meeting supported shared understanding across partners and strengthened alignment on the project’s long-term vision.
As InterPED moves forward, insights from the Lugano General Assembly and the Arena Innovation Community pilot will continue to inform the development of replicable, citizen-centred, and interoperable Positive Energy District solutions across Europe.
A warm thank you to AEM and SUPSI for hosting the meeting and to all partners for their active participation and constructive contributions.