One of the key challenges for cities is identifying the best combination of renewable technologies and storage systems—tailored to the unique needs of each neighbourhood. In the ExPEDite project, significant progress has been made in mapping the optimal areas and technology mix for producing and storing renewable energy. This includes solar photovoltaics, heat pumps, batteries, and emerging solutions such as hydrogen.

The approach combines multi-criteria analysis with close collaboration from the Riga Energy Agency. Beyond technical feasibility, the model also considers urban, social, and regulatory factors. Particular attention has been given to modelling hourly demand profiles, which allow energy system designs to better match real-life consumption patterns and maintain a year-round balance between generation and demand.

The work is now expanding to include additional technologies, such as geothermal and wind power, with pilot cases being used to validate the results. Ultimately, the goal is to deliver robust recommendations on renewable and storage combinations, optimise energy infrastructure, and support the transition to truly sustainable urban districts.

Criteria for RES deployment analysis

Income level

Solar radiation map

Protected Areas

Zones  for the selection of the heat supply system

New development areas

RES modelling: 

H² Production

Fuel cell energy production

Electrical energy storage

PV production

Heath pump production