Setting the Stage for a Future Positive Energy District: Expectations on Energy System Operators in Case Hiedanranta

To manage positive energy district (PED) creation, municipalities must do more than follow the established city planning process. We set the stage for future research in a case city district in Finland by analysing interviews and survey results of domain experts relevant for the emerging PED. We utilize strategic niche management to structure the data with factors including actor networks, expectations, and business models. We highlight the main conflicts and opportunities for cooperation with municipality-owned utility companies and other actors. We find that the role of incumbents is evolving as utilities have begun to engage in strategic partnerships. Still, especially data-driven niche development lacks an explicit shared vision and must be more clearly governed by the public administration. We expect that our findings will be relevant to municipalities and academics, especially in terms of PED developments where district heating is present.