# Autonomous Cyber-Physical Systems Enabling Smart Positive Energy Districts
## 6 Discussion  
The EU 2050 goal of achieving climate neutrality and a net-zero GHG emissions economy is promoting the concept of a positive energy balance. Attempts are being made to decrease energy consumption by introducing smartness. Renewable energy will be generated locally and will surpass consumption, which could lead to a decrease in overall energy demand and a reduction in GHG emissions. New technologies are increasingly being used to improve sustainable development and to achieve the sustainable development goals [112]. PEDs strive to generate more renewable energy than demand requires while ensuring adequate comfort levels. A considerable aim of a PED is to improve the affordability and uptake of smart energy management systems, and to enhance local energy systems' flexibility by diminishing peak power demand and maximizing self-consumption through the utilization of energy management, smart grids, and battery storage. This flexibility is significant for the creation of new connections and the development of renewable energy production, particularly in locations with infrastructure constraints in the existing grid. Therefore, PEDs strive to increase energy system resilience and reliability. Another significant PED aim is to involve local stakeholders, including citizens, in governance. Through energy community engagement opportunities, they can influence and interact with the energy systems, enhancing PEDs' societal goals. Insights from existing PED approaches have shown that the planning and timing of the development of a PED and its components are crucial for its success [113]. In this sense, artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques can be used to further optimize the planning, monitoring, implementation, and operation of various processes, including those involved in PEDs [114]. Identifying regulatory and legislative barriers when designing the governance of energy communities is also an important factor for the success of PEDs. According to [PERSON] et al. [9], the key PED success factor, as identified by 29 PED representatives, was \"_Stakeholder involvement_\", followed by \"_Integrated technology_\". This study aimed to reveal emerging technologies that enable the adoption of PEDs by identifying the main challenges and potential solutions for effective implementation of PEDs. The results of the critical literature review revealed that CPSs are not standalone systems but are deeply interconnected with several innovative technologies including DTs, AI, IoT, edge computing, and blockchain technologies. CPSs can increase the resilience, efficiency, and management of PEDs by integrating digital monitoring, control, and social engagement. They enable holistic coordination between physical infrastructure, digital systems, and social stakeholders. They enhance building energy management and energy efficiency by integrating and managing renewable \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{l l} \hline \hline
**Technology** & **Contribution to PEDs** \\ \hline CPS & Energy infrastructure real-time control \\ IoT & Real-time data collection from buildings, devices, and environment \\ Edge Computing & Low-latency processing and distributed decision-making \\ AI & Intelligent optimization and forecasting \\ Digital Twin & Simulation and monitoring of entire energy ecosystems \\ Blockchain & Trust, security, and decentralization of energy transactions \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 1: Integrated technology benefits in a PED. energy flows, and by optimizing energy consumption based on occupancy and human behavior. As a result, they increase the resilience, security, and reliability of energy systems. However, they also introduce new cyber security challenges. DTs improve PEDs by optimizing energy management, supporting stakeholder collaboration, improving sustainability, enabling real-time monitoring, and facilitating decision-making and stakeholder participation.