Do shopping malls need energy storage systems?

Usually, shopping malls are connected to the medium voltage (MV) grid and benefits of discounted and advantageous tariffs. However, they may vary considerably from country to country. The transition from fossil fuels to low-carbon technologies, mainly through RES generation, might require a wide utilization of energy storage systems (ESS).

Can a shopping mall support the transition from fossil fuel to low carbon?

We will show how the shopping mall can support the transition from fossil fuel to low carbon generation, through the combination of (i) retrofitting solutions to decrease the energy demand, and (ii) the use of on-site renewable energy and (iii) the flexibility provided by energy storage.

Are shopping malls sustainable?

The sustainability aspects of the retail sector may thus significantly contribute toward ambitious environmental and energy targets. Shopping malls (or shopping centers) are a flagship category within commercial buildings with a great potential for energy efficiency improvement.

How much energy does a shopping mall consume?

The European average energy consumption is estimated with a value of 272 kWh/m 2 GLAa in 2014 with a predominance of electricity and natural gas energy carriers, as shown in (Bointner et al., 2014). A shopping mall can be generally considered as an “icon of consumerism,” not only for retail activities, but also in terms of energy consumption.

Are energy-efficient shopping malls the backbone of the city of Tomorrow?

Despite the fact that overall legislative frameworks and regulations do not promote shopping centers as key energy and social infrastructures to achieve ambitious targets in the ongoing urban transformation, energy-efficient shopping malls massively using RES and ESS can actually become the backbone of the city of tomorrow.

Can shopping malls de-carbonize urban systems?

Urban systems de-carbonization is achievable if supported by measures for energy efficiency and integration of renewable energy sources (RES). In this context, a key role can be played by shopping malls. They are usually identified as “icons of consumer society,” but they also have a huge energy retrofitting potential.