E.J. (Elliot) Sharpe, Dr

TOP-UP: TOP-down energy projects as catalysts for bottom-UP local energy initiatives (https://www.top-up.info/) (Dec 2019 – Dec 2022)

Funded by ERA-Net Regional Energy Systems (H2020) & the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).

TOP-UP studies how TOP-down initiated heat networks can play a central role in integrated regional energy systems, and investigates how these top-down actions can empower bottom-UP participation among local actors and sectors, as to achieve the regions ambitious energy targets.

TOP-UP incorporates expertise in modelling, automation, social sciences and practice to optimize regional energy systems. It focuses on the integration of heat and electricity networks, and identifies and fosters optimal levels of local actor/sector participation. TOP-UP aims to satisfy actors/sectors needs and preferences, and to optimize regional energy system performance.

TOP-UP develops tailored solutions for the Groningen (NL) and Copenhagen (DK) energy systems – which prioritize changes to their heat networks due to unique regional challenges – and studies how these solutions can be scaled and customized to other regions, making best use of local renewables and reducing the dependency on fossil fuels.

Research team: dr. Thijs Bouman, Prof. dr. Linda Steg, Elliot Sharpe (PI, Environmental Psychology, University of Groningen), Prof. dr. Jacquelien Scherpen, dr. Michele Cucuzzella, dr. Juan Machado Martinez (ENgineering and TEchnology institute Groningen, Univerisity of Groningen), Prof. dr. Henrik Madsen, dr. Kenneth Leerbeck (Applied Mathematics, Technical University Denmark). 

Partners: Municipality of Groningen, PowerChainger, Buurkracht, Center Denmark, HHøje Taastrup Municipality, Høje Taastrup District Heating