The Dutch demonstration focuses on the Overvecht-Noord and Kanaleneiland-Zuid districts in Utrecht. Built in the 1960s and 1970s, these districts consist mainly of high-rise social housing units housing a multicultural, low-income community. The districts rely on district heating, gas, and the electricity grid, which presents significant challenges in terms of energy efficiency and grid stability. The Dutch demo targets the renovation of approximately 5,000 social housing units, transforming them into Nearly Zero or Positive Energy Buildings.

The Dutch demonstration project shows how climate-specific energy flexibility measures be applied in large-scale renovation projects. Key guidelines include:

• Adapting Forecasting Models: Use of machine-learning-driven PV forecasting to predict and stabilize renewable output.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Engaging local authorities and residents in the renovation process to foster confidence in long-term energy savings.
• Demand-Side Management: Implementing occupancy-based heating and automated energy systems for real-time demand response.

To read more about it, take a look at the report ‘Guidelines on climate zone related design principles’.