# Autonomous Cyber-Physical Systems Enabling Smart Positive Energy Districts
## 6 Discussion
They continuously track energy consumption, energy production, and energy storage by collecting and managing data from sensors, IoT devices, and BIMs. Hence, they facilitate proactive management and optimization of energy systems within districts, and they are essential for optimizing energy flows, supporting participatory planning, and ensuring the sustainability of PEDs. AI can improve the planning, optimization, characterization, and communication of PEDs, hence supporting their development and the broader clean energy transition. Used in energy efficiency optimization, AI adapts and learns from data, which enables improvement of strategies related to energy saving. AI can positively contribute toward the achievement of sustainable development goals, promotes utilization of renewable energy sources, and enables optimization of energy consumption based on occupant patterns, weather conditions, and energy prices [80]. Decreased GHG emissions and reduced energy costs are benefits of energy efficiency optimization. The IoT gives rise to considerable PED energy savings and CO\({}^{2}\) decreases due to smart data collection, smart information processing, and smart grids. As a result, PED sustainability and efficiency is enhanced. The IoT is important for successful implementation of PEDs, because of real-time monitoring, progressive energy management, and efficient incorporation of renewables. The IoT promotes sustainability, resilience, and a surplus energy balance in PEDs by linking and optimizing various energy resources. Edge computing can further enrich PEDs by improving energy efficiency, optimizing renewable energy use, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy, and supporting resilient, sustainable urban energy systems through optimized task allocation and energy management. Edge computing plays a crucial role in enabling PEDs through real-time data processing and energy management optimization. Finally, edge computing enhances the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of PEDs by bringing computation closer to the energy production and consumption points. Blockchain enhances PEDs by enabling secure and transparent energy trading, improving data management and integration, supporting peer-to-peer transactions, and fostering stakeholder engagement and renewable energy integration. Using blockchain is essential in enabling a decentralized, transparent, and efficient energy system. The results of this study highlight that the use of emerging technologies, including CPSs, DTs, AI, IoT, edge computing, and blockchain, is imperative for successful PED development and operation. However, the study also revealed key challenges that need to be addressed for PEDs to be further developed and adopted. All six emerging technologies were analyzed and their interrelationships were emphasized. How all six review concepts could interact within a PED is described in the following simplified case: CPSs offer real-time control and optimization of energy generation, storage, and usage enabled by IoT sensors, which monitor environmental factors and energy use, allowing data exchange and remote control. CPSs offer seamless integration of renewable energy sources and smart grid components, as well as improved fault detection and rapid response to anomalies. AI enables autonomous decision-making and autonomous smart energy system management that reduces waste and costs. It facilitates energy demand and supply prediction based on behavior patterns and weather conditions for optimal resource allocation. AI also enhances user engagement through personalized energy-saving suggestions. DTs are virtual representations of a physical asset/system (i.e., PED) that mirror its performance in real time by simulating energy flows for optimization of operations and assets. They facilitate predictive maintenance of PED infrastructure. Edge computing locally analyzes whether to store or use energy. It performs low-latency processing for fast, local decision-making and enhances system reliability and resilience.