This project aims to study how to develop efficient, reliable, sustainable and socially acceptable (decentralised) energy system integration (ESI) from an interdisciplinary perspective. We will examine how to synergise infrastructure for gas, electricity and heat, and how to promote efficient use of such energy system by end users. In the psychological sub-project, we will examine the acceptability and effects of financial and social incentives that aim to encourage end-users to match energy demand to the local fluctuating supply of various renewable energy sources, as to increase the efficient use of the local energy grid. We will study the conditions under which different incentives are effective, as well why different incentives are (not) effective. Researchers from the Engineering and Technology Institute at the University of Groningen will examine how to synergise and couple infrastructure for gas, electricity and heat, and develop control algorithms that enhance the efficiency, stability and sustainability of such integrated energy systems. Together, we will study how effective incentives can be integrated in the algorithms aimed to control integrated energy systems. Also, we will study which factors affect the willingness of users to accept and use the proposed integrated system functionalities. The project is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).
Researchers involved: prof. dr. Linda Steg and prof. dr. ir. Jacquelien Scherpen (University of Groningen)
In collaboration with: Enexis, Alliander and TNO
Duration: 2016-2020