Festive Opening Academic Year @ FEB | "Challenges of the energy transition" | 5 September

Energy Transition

The energy system has to change dramatically in order to strongly reduce the carbon emissions caused by the consumption of fossil fuels. This change is known as the energy transition: the movement of the fossil-energy dominated energy system to a system dominated by renewable energy sources such as wind turbines, solar panels and renewable gases. This is a highly complex process, technologically, economically and socially since everyone in society is affected: consumers, businesses and governments alike.

In this opening of the academic year 2019-2020, we want to throw light on two key players in the energy transition process: the incumbent energy industry and the European Union.

The first speaker, Annie Krist, will discuss how the energy industry can contribute to the energy transition. It is clear that the existing energy industry needs to play a major role in the energy transition, but their scope for action strongly depends on the international energy markets. What is, for instance, the potential of renewable gas in the international gas markets? The second speaker, Bas Eickhout, will discuss how international energy transition policies can be designed in such a way that the transition towards a renewable energy system is realized efficiently and takes into account the different potentials within Europe. What can national and international governments like the EU do to stimulate firms and consumers to contribute to the energy transition?

After the presentations by these two speakers, there will be an opportunity for debate, chaired by Machiel Mulder.

For more info on the whole programme and the guest speakers: