Digital Twin to Aid in Urban Energy Transformation

The project "Utilisation of urban digital twins to co-create flexible positive energy systems for districts" (DigiTwins4PEDs) was initiated in response to the growing challenges of transitioning to clean energy and the necessity of involving society in this process. Its goal is not only to develop technology but also to implement it using interactive tools and information exchange platforms (living labs for residents), which will help prepare communities for the implementation of Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) and enable them to co-create PEDs in their districts.

"Therefore, in the project, we are creating tools that can be used not only by experts, scientists, or local government officials but also by the public. These will enable, among other things, the analysis and verification of scenarios for specific locations. It will be something of a 'guidebook.' We will check, for example, whether the plot where we live has the potential for investing in technologies related to renewable energy sources, what the cost of such investments is, and what the payback period is," says Dr. Hab. Paweł Bogusławski, the project leader. He adds that a digital twin of the city is essential for this purpose.

– To create it, we need a spatial model of buildings mainly. To conduct, for example, simulations to assess a building's solar potential, check where photovoltaic panels can be installed, or in the case of individual plots – place heat pumps, utilize geothermal energy, or install a green roof or wall – explains the UPWr scientist, emphasizing that the digital twin will also enable the performance of analyses and their comparison with actual consumption, such as heat in the city. – And this will allow us to propose solutions to the city that will lead to certain areas, and districts producing more green energy.

The UPWr scientists are collaborating with the city of Wrocław, which is highly interested in these technologies. – We're also learning from our foreign partners, to modify and translate their ready-made solutions to our Lower Silesian reality – says Dr. Hab. Paweł Bogusławski.

The project brings together teams from various regions, determined to accelerate changes towards sustainable energy. The consortium includes ten partners from Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, and Austria, including universities, research units, business partners, and city representatives, selected as test areas (Wrocław, Vienna, Stuttgart, and Rotterdam). It will be carried out at UPWr for 2.5 years under the leadership of Dr. Hab. Paweł Bogusławski, in close cooperation with infoSolutions.

The project has won a grant from the National Centre for Research and Development in the Driving Urban Transitions competition, supporting innovative research projects related to urban challenges, including the transition to a more sustainable economy and operation.

The total budget exceeds 1.5 million EUR, with funding for UPWr set at approximately 224,000 EUR.

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  MINIATURA 7 for three scientists from UPWr

  Dr. Katarzyna Patejuk, Dr. Joanna Tunikowska, and Dr. Błażej Nowak have received nearly 140,000 PLN from the National Science Centre as part of the MINIATURA 7 competition. This grant will enable their research on new fungal species, an innovative method for treating tumors, and the genetic basis of stillbirths in sows.

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  The Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences has joined the Baltic University Programme (BUP)

  This integration into the network opens up new opportunities for cooperation and intercultural exchange for the university. It also provides access to a wide range of courses, educational and scientific programs, and projects for students and staff.