The deliverable D4.4: Limerick DPEB Implementation Guide 1 was submitted by MPOWER, with contributions from LCCC, IESRD, ESB, ESBN, SE, and GKIN in May 2021. The executive summary of the deliverable is available below and the full deliverable at the end for download:
“This report details the first draft of the implementation of the Limerick Distributed Positive Energy Block in the form of the guide that summarizes the results and insights of the work on implementation of the DPEB in Limerick after 2 years of the +CityxChange project. The final version (Report D4.11) will be produced at the end of DPEB implementation in Limerick and will be used as a reference for replication.
The Guide will be used as a reference for an update of the implementation plan. It will also be used to some extent to assess the progress of the execution of the plan so far. In addition, the report will be a useful source of information on how to adapt and find solutions to achieve the project goals in a changing environment and situation on the ground.
Preparation for implementation includes the development of an energy profile of the selected block of buildings with an assessment of the potential for energy efficiency improvements. Measures can be divided into Operational with no or very little cost, Shallow retrofit interventions that do not require large financial investments, such as the improvement of air tightness with simple measures like sealing, weather-stripping, and door sweeps, and Deep renovation with big initial cost that produces higher savings.
The integration of Renewable Energy Sources in the form of photovoltaic power plants on the roofs of buildings achieves increased energy independence and reduces overall individual energy costs. All these measures defined by the Energy Efficiency Plan are aimed at improving the energy efficiency of buildings and ultimately reduce the energy demand of a PEB.
It is then necessary to provide an additional independent source of electricity in order to fully cover local needs and reduce dependence on the supply of energy from the external network. This source is the hydrokinetic turbine that will be placed in the River Shannon and connected to the Community Grid System. LCCC is investigating the use of council owned land in flood risk zones as potential sites for PV to be operated by a Renewable Energy Community.
To achieve the required annual positive balance at the energy block level for the Positive Energy Block, other elements are needed. One of those is the establishment of the Community Grid System infrastructure based on advanced ICT solutions, which will enable two-way exchange of energy and information between buildings within the Energy Block.
A very important part of the implementation is the engagement of the key stakeholders, Citizens, Building Owners and Prosumers. The success of the project relies on that in many ways.”