University of Groningen set to make contribution to energy transition

Researchers from the University of Groningen will convene to set out the University’s contribution to the energy transition at the launch of the Groningen Energy and Sustainability Programme on 7 July. Energy transition can only take place by intervening across the energy chain, from production to consumption. Such paradigm shifts require both depth and breadth of expertise, which is present across the different faculties of the University of Groningen.

Energy Transition

Energy transition opens up new avenues for research into renewable energy sources. It also incorporates the prospect of innovation, increased independence, more robust infrastructures, and a potential redistribution of power and responsibility. Therefore, the University of Groningen is launching the Energy and Sustainability Programme (GESP). Transition is a special kind of challenge, according to Prof. Harro Meijer, chair of the scientific board of GESP: ‘Energy transition must be addressed by thinking about both specific and global developments, about scientific and social issues.’

Energy in a changing world

Energy transition is affecting our work and our world, but we are also in a position to shape energy transition. Energy is one of the top sectors for the Netherlands, and Groningen leads the way as a knowledge producer and key player in both research and teaching. In the course of the afternoon programme, the value of energy transition as a leading principle will be analysed for a number of fields, from materials science and physics to energy law, including economics and environmental psychology.
‘In the area of energy, the University of Groningen can count on a wealth of top researchers and unique, interdisciplinary expertise. That is a winning combination when it comes to contributing to future energy scenarios and to an Energy Academy,’ explains Bert Wiersema, director of GESP.

The event will enable deeper insight into the impact of energy transition on the entire energy chain, and highlight the wealth and strength of complementary expertise on energy and sustainability at the University of Groningen.

Event

The meeting will convene under the heading ‘The Challenge of Energy Transition: Insights from Energy and Sustainability Research at the University of Groningen’.

The meeting has been organized by the Board of the Groningen Energy and Sustainability Programme (GESP). This scientific (and festive) event will start at 1 p.m. on 7 July 2011, at Het Paleis, Boterdiep 111, Groningen.

Scientific Board of GESP

Three research institutes are affiliated with GESP and provide scientific leadership.

• Prof. Harro Meijer is chair of the board of GESP and Scientific Director of the Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen (ESRIG)
• Prof. Martha Roggenkamp, Scientific Director of the Groningen Centre of Energy Law (GCEL)
• Prof. Bert Scholtens, Scientific Director of the Energy and Sustainability Centre (ESC)

GESP sets knowledge in motion
GESP enhances research on energy and sustainability at the University of Groningen by setting knowledge in motion. GESP makes knowledge travel to partners outside the University, across fields and disciplines within the University, and from basic research to applied contexts in public and commercial settings. GESP also ensures movement between research and teaching by engaging students in its activities.

Further information

Dr Bert Wiersema, Director of GESP

Dr Anne Beaulieu, Project Manager of GESP

Programme
13.00 Welcome and Opening
Prof. Harro Meijer, chair of the board of GESP
The mission of GESP
Prof. Sibrand Poppema, President of the Board of the University of Groningen
Energy and Sustainability Research at the University of Groningen
13.30 Prof. Harro Meijer, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Energy Transition
14.00 Prof. Kees Hummelen, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Solar Energy and Transition
Prof. Sytze Brandenburg, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Nuclear Energy and Transition

15.15 Prof. Martha Roggenkamp, Faculty of Law
Law and Transition
15.45 Prof. Bert Scholtens, Faculty of Economics and Business
Economic Drivers of Energy Transition
16.15 Prof. Linda Steg, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences
Sustainable Energy Systems: a Psychological Perspective