Under the guidance of the EU initiative SPARCS (Sustainable energy Positive & zero cARbon CommunitieS), an innovative endeavor is underway to establish a comprehensive energy district in the western region of Leipzig. Collaboratively, seven European cities are dedicating their efforts to the development of an innovative framework that interconnects neighborhoods, blocks, and structures into a sophisticated smart energy ecosystem. The primary objective of this initiative is to significantly curtail CO2 emissions while concurrently augmenting the integration of renewable energy sources.
Leipzig - Leading Sustainable Transformation as a Lighthouse City
The lighthouse cities Espoo (Finland) and Leipzig (Germany) are implementing large-scale demonstration projects. Lighthouse cities are pioneers committed to creating sustainable, energy-positive, and zero-carbon communities. The EU funded project provides support as these cities address multifaceted challenges on their path to sustainability. Through inclusive management and planning models, SPARCS aims to demonstrate and validate innovative solutions for smart and integrated energy systems. These efforts will transform these cities into sustainable, zero-carbon ecosystems, enhancing the quality of life for their citizens.
The group includes 31 partners from ten countries. In Leipzig, the venture is being carried out by the City of Leipzig along with the following partners: Leipziger Stadtwerke, University of Leipzig, Fraunhofer Center for International Management and Knowledge Economy, Wohnen & Service Leipzig, Cenero Energy, and seecon Ingenieure.
SPARCS in Action: Realized Projects Shaping Leipzig's Future
Green electricity for the Leipzig Cotton Mill
SPARCS is transforming the former largest cotton mill (Baumwollspinnerei) site in Europe into an innovative, sustainable neighborhood. The model district at Baumwollspinnerei will feature a self-consumption photovoltaic system with energy storage, a grid connection, and a connected heating system to ensure future electricity and heat supply. Excess energy will be fed into the Stadtwerke Leipzig grid. In the realm of e-mobility, SPARCS introduces forward-looking solutions at Baumwollspinnerei. A centralized charging network for tenants and public e-car sharing is being established. Research-oriented bidirectional charging stations will enable commercial fleet vehicles to both receive and return electricity.
Exploring Real-time Energy Management
Energy management helps to optimize the energy system, detect faults, reduce losses, automate energetic functions, and make them more efficient. The data helps identify weak points, and a concept is developed to enhance the system. Recently, the Cenero Energy Showrooms opened on the historic site of the Baumwollspinnerei in Leipzig. It is with great pleasure that we announce that BITROAD managing director and SpinLab partner Lukas Zechel has been appointed COO of cenero.one, bringing his multifaceted perspective to this exciting project. In this showroom, visitors can experience Cenero.one first-hand, a state-of-the-art live energy management platform. The data presented at the showroom offers insight to the various innovative measures implemented at the Baumwollspinnerei. Here Cenero.one, analyze and report the results of the different interventions. Visitors can witness the energy dynamics of the location in a variety of charts and dashboards.
Leipziger Stadtwerke tests holistic energy data management
Leipziger Stadtwerke, within the SPARCS initiative, has undertaken the implementation of a holistic energy data management system aimed at facilitating coordinated interactions among diverse sectors like energy, e-mobility, producers, and consumers. This endeavor seeks to enhance data exchange across different digital systems, emphasizing interoperability. By integrating open-source programs and standardized technologies, the project established a virtual power plant (VPP) as a comprehensive energy management system.
Get here to the SPARCS website not to miss current developments and events.
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