# Autonomous Cyber-Physical Systems Enabling Smart Positive Energy Districts
## 5 Relationships Between Emerging Technologies in Positive Energy Districts
DT forecasts inform the blockchain's smart contracts when and how much energy can be traded, creating an autonomous self-regulating PED. Blockchain reinforces trust in the data and models used by DTs, enhancing multi-stakeholder collaboration. The integration of DTs with blockchain enables the creation of decentralized energy trading platforms, P2P transactions, and the use of smart contracts, promoting trust and automation in energy exchanges [99]. Blockchain-enabled DT grids offer strong cybersecurity, protection of energy systems from cyber-attacks, and safeguarding of data integrity, as well as optimization of energy production, distribution, and consumption, while preserving privacy and detecting malicious behavior [100]. This synergy is significant for next generation of smart grids and PEDs, enabling resilient, sustainable, and user-centric energy systems that align with global sustainability goals [101]. 10. _Artificial Intelligence-Internet of Things:_ The relationship between AI and the IoT is central to the development and operation of PEDs. The increased utilization of renewable energy sources requires infrastructure re-structuring, enabling grid development and AI usage for distributed and intermittent generation. The integration of AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies into energy and power systems improves efficiency, sustainability, and reliability [102]. The integration of AI and the IoT is significant for smart, sustainable urban energy systems. IoT applications in building energy management, enhanced by AI, are able to transform how energy is consumed, monitored, and optimized, particularly in distributed energy systems [103]. By using IoT sensors and smart meters, real-time data regarding PED energy usage patterns, occupancy, temperature, and lighting conditions can be collected. This data is analyzed by AI algorithms to identify inefficiencies, predict energy demand, and suggest or automate adjustments to optimize energy use. In PEDs, the IoT provides the data infrastructure, while AI provides the intelligence needed to orchestrate complex systems and ensure the PED produces more energy than it consumes. 11. _Artificial Intelligence-Edge Computing:_ The relationship between AI and edge computing in the context of PEDs is very synergistic. An edge-AI-based forecasting approach is proposed to improve satisfaction with prediction accuracy and smart microgrid efficiency by analyzing and processing consumer power data and distributed renewable energy generation [104]. The integration of AI and edge computing facilitates real-time, intelligent, and decentralized management of energy systems in urban environments, aiding PEDs to reach their goal of annually producing more energy than they consume. Moreover, the integration of AI and edge provides many benefits for the Internet of Energy, such as reduced latency, real-time analytics, improvedsecurity, enhanced scalability, and better cost-efficiency, but faces challenges such as security and standardization [105]. * _Artificial Intelligence-Blockchain:_ The connection between AI and blockchain in the context of PEDs consists of influential synergies for advancing sustainable urban development. AI enhances energy management by predicting demand, optimizing consumption, and enabling real-time control, while blockchain provides secure, transparent, and decentralized platforms for energy trading and certification of energy self-sufficiency within and between DEPs [106]. The integration of AI and blockchain enables prosumers to participate in energy markets and contribute to the optimization of power system operations; hence, they support net zero emission targets. This integration also enables autonomous, self-regulating, intelligent, efficient, trusted, and transparent energy systems, where PEDs not only sustain themselves but contribute positively to the broader grid and the environment. * _Internet of Things-Edge Computing:_ In the context of PEDs, both the IoT and edge computing play critical and complementary roles.