At the DUT Projects Event 2025 in Milan (10–12 February), the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology showcased the NEEDS Repowered project. Bringing together initiatives from across Europe, the event fostered exchange, learning and collaboration within the Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) Partnership. The Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) Partnership is a European research and innovation partnership under Horizon Europe that supports cities in their sustainable transition and builds on JPI Urban Europe. NEEDS Repowered aims to help cities become more resilient and climate-neutral in times of crisis—by developing a toolbox for energy flexibility and demand management, inclusive engagement of vulnerable groups, viable business models for retrofitting, and solutions that account for heritage protection.
AIT presented its NEEDS Repowered poster with approach and early results, engaged with the DUT Knowledge Hub and joined hands-on sessions using the project workbook. The team identified synergies around the NEEDS Toolbox, the engagement of vulnerable groups and business models for retrofitting and heritage protection. Key takeaways included pathways for energy flexibility, demand management and the early involvement of policymakers.