Infrastructure-scale sustainable energy planning in the cityscape: Transforming urban energy metabolism in East Asia

Abstract

Transformation of the urban energy metabolism is possible when sustainable energy is positioned as an infrastructure-scale tool. A review of urban energy planning research is complemented by an examination of assessment methods in use to gauge the feasibility of planning sustainable energy as a new infrastructure to power cities. A case study analysis of the city of Daejeon is offered to operationalize this planning strategy. In particular, the integrated application of the “savings city” and “solar city” concepts where, respectively, citywide deployment of energy efficiency and rooftop photovoltaic energy systems is envisioned at a large-scale, is explored for Daejeon through the innovative use of geospatial assessment methods and a visualization tool that can guide urban policy. This assessment and its visualization illustrates not only grid energy use divisions throughout the city but also reveals possible energy planning trajectories in pursuit of positioning sustainable energy as urban infrastructure. The assessment finds that cities like Daejeon could fulfill over half of their electricity service needs through in-city deployment of sustainable energy at the infrastructure-scale. Cities that embark on this “sustainable city” trajectory essentially reform the lived experience of “the city” and reshape the city-energy relationship. This article is categorized under: Energy Efficiency > Systems and Infrastructure Energy Policy and Planning > Systems and Infrastructure Energy and Urban Design > Systems and Infrastructure.