Energy in Transition (EiT) Lunch Meetings
1. Opening Session by Madeleine Gibescu: The session commenced with an opening address by Madeleine Gibescu, setting the stage for the engaging discussions that followed.
2. Presentation by Rob and Gudo: Rob and Gudo presented an in-depth analysis of Utrecht 木瓜福利影视's energy needs. They explored the impact of the recent energy crisis on the university's operations, detailing the current 40 million euro energy costs, future projections of 25 million euros, and the pre-crisis figure of 10 million euros. Plans for decentralizing the energy system, incorporating geothermal heat, and collaborating with the Hooogschool and UMC hospital were highlighted. The discussion extended to addressing grid congestion issues collectively with the neighborhood and other major energy users. The UU energy transition plan for 2023-2025 included strategies such as behavior adjustments, enhanced energy efficiency in buildings, energy production, cooperation initiatives, and energy management. Supply and demand management challenges and dilemmas were also openly discussed.
3. Presentation by Denise: Denise delved into the crucial aspect of engaging individuals in energy transition scenarios. She emphasized the perception of small individual impacts and countered it by promoting a joint action approach. Denise underscored the importance of collaboration, trust, and a sense of belonging to foster active participation. Warm-up discussions, illustrated by activities like planning pots, were proposed as effective engagement strategies. The idea of 'we-made' initiatives was identified as a critical component for citizen engagement.
4. Future Activities: Plans for the upcoming year included community meetings with other departments to explore energy transition from diverse perspectives. Rob proposed the "Gigawatt Game," generating enthusiastic interest from the community.
1. Welcome and Introduction
- Madeleine welcomed participants and set the tone for the meeting.
2. People's Energy Project Presentation
- Madeleine discussed the "People's Energy" project.
- Mentioned their plans for interdisciplinary work.
- Noted they are finalizing their proposal.
- Highlighted the challenge of determining personnel and positions. Maya is working on that.
- Wouter Vandenabeele mentioned he is interested in energy communities as a (societal) institutional development.
- Friedeman Polzin mentioned that he understood from NVDE (Nederlandse Vereniging Duurzame Energie) that the legal status of energy communities in the Netherlands is still an open issue. This creates difficulties in their relationship with banks and other financial institutions when it comes to taking out loans, or re-investing their profits.
3. Rethink Hydrogen Proposal Presentation
- Udeke presented the "Rethink Hydrogen" proposal.
- Emphasized a well-designed research plan.
- Mentioned a living lab scheme within the project.
- Feedback: Terminology around "Living Lab" needs refinement. Udeke and Hamed will work on that.
4. Resourcefulness Project Presentation
- Nikkie presented the "Resourcefulness" project.
- Focused on critical elements in Energy Transition.
- Discussed efforts to connect with external stakeholders.
- Highlighted the aim to build a strong team for the signature project.
5. Interactive Discussion and Networking
- Participants engaged in discussions about common interests.
- Explored potential interdisciplinary collaborations.
- The meeting concluded with a networking reception.