On January 15–16, 2025, the InterPED consortium gathered in Bilbao, Spain, for the 3rd Plenary Meeting. Hosted by our partners Tekniker and Veolia, this event brought together representatives from all project partners to discuss progress, exchange ideas, and align on the next steps for advancing Positive Energy Districts.
The meeting took place over two days, packed with insightful presentations, fruitful discussions, and collaborative planning sessions. Each work package and task leader provided updates on their respective activities, while pilot site representatives shared valuable insights on their progress and the challenges they are tackling.
Key Highlights from the Meeting
Day 1: Project Updates and Pilot Site Discussions
The first day opened with an overview of project management activities, where R2M, as the project coordinators, provided updates on deliverables and milestones. The emphasis was placed on the importance of collaboration across the consortium, a critical factor in maintaining progress and achieving the project’s objectives.
The focus then shifted to Dissemination, Communication, and Exploitation (WP9). Level 9 presented achievements in raising awareness about InterPED, including social media outreach, newsletters, and clustering activities. Discussions explored ways to further enhance dissemination strategies, such as creating engaging visual content and exploring new outreach channels.
The afternoon was dedicated to pilot site updates. Each pilot leader shared developments, from technical installations to citizen engagement activities. Highlights included:
- Arena Innovation Community (Switzerland): Progress on data collection and smart meter installations.
- Lugaritz-Matía Community (Spain): Plans for installing additional PV panels and exploring heat pump solutions.
- Ecovillage Findhorn (UK): Improvements in EV charger control and energy monitoring.
- Alba Iulia College District (Romania): Steps toward finalizing equipment procurement and data collection plans.
The day concluded with a networking dinner in the heart of Bilbao. Partners enjoyed the opportunity to connect in a more informal setting, strengthening the collaborative spirit of the consortium.
Day 2: Technical Progress, Planning, and a Site Visit
The second day focused on technical advancements across the various work packages.
Presentations included:
- Updates on pilot characterization (WP3) and refinement of KPIs to better measure progress.
- Insights into citizen engagement strategies (WP4), highlighting the importance of co-creation and user input in developing innovative energy solutions.
- Progress on operation management tools and services (WP6 & WP7), emphasizing data integration and cybersecurity.
After wrapping up the formal sessions, partners visited the Lugaritz-Matía Community pilot site in San Sebastián. The visit provided an invaluable opportunity to see the pilot’s progress firsthand, including the installation of PV panels and heat pumps. The site visit helped bring to life the project’s tangible contributions to creating a Positive Energy District and underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing energy challenges.
Building Momentum for a Sustainable Energy Future
This plenary meeting was a testament to the dedication and collaborative spirit of the InterPED consortium. By combining technical expertise with innovative approaches to citizen engagement, the project is making significant strides toward creating scalable and adaptable solutions for Positive Energy Districts across Europe.
As the meeting concluded, partners left with a renewed sense of purpose and clear action points to drive the project forward. The discussions, site visits, and shared moments during the networking dinner underscored the importance of teamwork in achieving the ambitious goals of InterPED.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey toward a sustainable and inclusive energy future. Special thanks to Tekniker and Veolia for hosting this productive and inspiring meeting in the vibrant city of Bilbao!