The COPPER project aims to develop new concepts for how we can plan areas and energy developments to establish so-called “Positive Energy Districts” (PED) (https://ruralis.no/en/projects/creating-optimizing-and-planning-positive-energy-districts-connecting-citizens-energy-at-different-geographical-levels/ (accessed on 26 November 2025)).
A PED district can be considered a Positive Energy District if it actively contributes to national decarbonization goals through enhanced energy efficiency, optimal use of waste heat, and the integration of locally available renewable energy sources. At the same time, it must function as part of a broader energy network, exchanging energy with other districts in response to real-time demand. For PEDs to be viable at the national level, they must be optimally scaled and contextually defined, balancing technical feasibility, economic sustainability, and social equity” (Nikolic et al. 2025) [1].
One of the cases investigated in COPPER is the Circular Kaupanes project in Eigersund, Norway, offering a pioneering example of how small and medium-sized port territories can drive a just and sustainable blue economy. Rooted in principles of circularity and industrial symbiosis, this initiative transforms the Kaupanes harbor into a low-carbon, multi-use coastal innovation hub. Through the integration of renewable energy systems—for example, Rogaland’s first commercial green hydrogen plant—the project enhances local energy security and efficiency while reducing maritime and industrial emissions.
By linking shore power infrastructure, green hydrogen, and the reuse of by-products like oxygen and surplus heat, Circular Kaupanes strengthens the resilience of ocean-facing industries and coastal communities. The project is developed through a broad alliance of public, private, and research actors.
The methodological approach is action research, as the key actors, i.e., the local utility and the municipality (the port is owned by Eigersund municipality), collaborate closely to document the project and allow for discussions and external input, e.g., from the COPPER researchers. Moreover, by comparing the results with other case studies, both in the COPPER project and beyond, it is expected that several recommendations can be made for territories with similar typologies and concerns. The latter can be enhanced by developing a Matchmaking and Collaboration Platform for PED communities, universities, and NGOs, inspired by the Peer City Identification Tool developed by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (https://www.chicagofed.org/region/peer-cities-identification-tool/pcit (accessed on 26 November 2025)).
Positioned as a replicable model for Atlantic coastal regions, this project highlights how PED can act as leverage points for co-developing regenerative solutions that align ecological boundaries with economic opportunities, supporting long-term ocean resilience and coastal prosperity.
Author Contributions
Conceptualization, K.B. and R.A.L.; methodology, K.B. and R.A.L.; investigation, K.B. and R.A.L.; writing—original draft preparation, K.B.; writing—review and editing, K.B. and R.A.L. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding
This research was funded by the Norwegian Research council grant number 351137 (1 January 2024–31 December 2026).
Institutional Review Board Statement
Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement
Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement
No new data were created or analyzed in this study. Data sharing is not applicable.
Conflicts of Interest
R.A.L. is employed by Eigersund Næring og Havn KF. The authors declare no other conflict of interest.
Reference
- Nikolic, J.; Thellufsen, J.Z.; Sorknæs, P.; Madsen, P.T.; Nørgaard, L.S. Let’s make PED work—How current knowledge can contribute to future positive energy districts. Sustain. Cities Soc. 2025, 132, 106817. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
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