Description

Energy production is intertwined with sustainable agriculture and influences space for biodiversity, water retention and attractive living. The realization of carbon-neutral or gas-free neighborhoods often goes hand-in-hand with area development and adaptation to climate change. An integrated approach to the energy transition and these societal challenges is the main interest of this research. New business opportunities or unexpected options might be recognized, co-benefits and synergies can be achieved, negative side-effects can be avoided and societal acceptance might increase. In the two-year RETSI project, UT researchers cooperate with regional partners to: (1) identify factors influencing energy transition integration potential in rural and urban contexts and their interface; and (2) design new action perspectives for private and public actors for exploiting synergies of energy transition integration in different contexts. Two postdocs will analyse and design integrative action situations for urban areas (postdoc 1), rural areas (postdoc 2) and their interface (all postdocs) in Overijssel. The third postdoc builds upon these insights to prepare interactive maps and planning support tools for energy transition integration in two selected areas. We jointly develop new business models, regulatory strategies and modes of communication for energy transition integration.

Objectives and Methodology

This thesis project will be supporting a currently on-going research project (RETSI) funded by the NWO on energy transition and how it is intertwined with other societal challenges, such as, climate adaptation and circular agriculture. In this project, we examine how an integrated approach can accelerate the energy transition in interconnected rural and urban areas. We formulate action perspectives for regional and local authorities and businesses how to exploit integrative opportunities. The task for this MSc thesis will be to contribute to the development of an interactive mapping and planning support tool. Of specific interest are visualisation of co-benefits, dynamic visualisation, trade-offs, geo-information tools and wicked problems, public participation and planning. You will work together with senior researchers and a Post-Doc from the PGM department at ITC, as well as with staff from the faculties of Engineering Technology and Behavioural and Management Sciences. You will also have the opportunity to work with local stakeholders and participate in stakeholder workshops.

Further reading

https://www.nwo.nl/en/projects/408me19405