How intermediary actors enable smart grid development in urban energy systems : Case studies from Europe’s positive energy districts

Abstract

Urban areas are under increasing pressure to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and adapt to decentralized energy systems. As cities transition toward cleaner and more resilient infrastructures, smart grids have emerged as a key enabler of local energy flexibility and climate targets. This thesis investigates how technology providers, Energy Management System (EMS) integrators, intermediary actors, and end-users collaborate in the implementation of smart grids. It focuses on Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) in Europe. The study looks at three places: Trondheim (Norway), Groningen in the Netherlands, and Kalasatama (Finland), and includes expert interviews. The study examines the enabling and hindering factors that shape collaboration among stakeholders. The findings show that intermediary actors, including ESCOs, aggregators, consultants, and financiers, play a central role in aligning fragmented interests, bridging technical and financial silos, and ensuring project continuity across different stages. While previous research often treats intermediaries as either technical or financial enablers, this study shows that their roles are more integrative in practice, extending into governance design, risk-sharing, and user engagement. Common barriers to collaboration, such as unclear role division, limited interoperability, and underused EMS platforms, were most effectively addressed when intermediaries were involved early and supported by adaptive policy frameworks. The thesis concludes that strengthening intermediary functions is essential for scaling smart grid projects from isolated pilots to systemic, citywide energy solutions.