Are positive energy districts more prevalent in wealthier European regions?

This study investigates the spatial relationship between renewable energy potential, economic prosperity, and the establishment of Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) across European regions. PEDs are connected clusters of buildings that generate a surplus of renewable energy on a yearly basis through local energy production and consumption, energy storage, and direct management of renewable energy sources. Beyond their technical contribution to energy transitions, PEDs are also positioned as mechanisms for economic development, energy citizenship, democracy, and energy justice. While existing literature has predominantly focused on the technical dimensions of PEDs (e.g., energy efficiency, renewables, flexibility), little attention has been devoted to their territorial dimensions, specifically, where PEDs are implemented and under what local conditions they emerge. This study aims to investigate whether PEDs are more frequently installed in areas with higher GDP per capita and/or renewable energy potential compared to non-PED areas. A comparative analysis using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests indicates that PEDs are primarily concentrated in areas with high GDP per capita, but not necessarily in regions with high renewable energy potential. These findings underscore the need to investigate further on the enabling conditions which shape the design and geographic distribution of PEDs, ensuring that their benefits extend beyond high-income regions.