The Energy Transition Thematic Group of Interest (TIG) is made up of researchers, teachers and students who work in different areas with the common objective of analysing, researching and teaching how to reduce energy consumption and incorporate non-polluting energies into energy generation systems. This thematic group addresses global and regional challenges, framed in the context in which each of the universities is located.  These challenges are being tackled in collaboration with partners, entities and companies aligned with the goals of reducing dependence on fossil fuels and moving to low-carbon, or carbon-neutral, energy sources, increasing electricity use in various sectors – such as transport and heating – to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and improve energy use efficiency in order to to reduce consumption and waste. Other important objectives are the updating of the electricity grid to accommodate renewable energy sources that guarantee a reliable and stable energy supply, as well as the development of technologies that ensure the storage of excess renewable energy, for use during periods of low generation.

Lines of work

To articulate all these objectives, various axes of work have been established focused on research and training, in which representatives of each of the nine universities Partners that make up the alliance participate. From collaborative research to energy storage or energy system modelling, to the dissemination of knowledge to society, they are all committed to the constant development and creation of measures that provide solutions to the strengths and critical points of the energy transition.  
1.- Preparation of BIPs related to electrical and energy transition.
2.- Research cooperation in the energy field.
3.- Organization of research conference.
4.- Preparation of international research projects.

Collaborative Research

Development of joint projects between the member universities of the alliance to perfect new technologies and solutions in the field of renewable energies, both in the design of new devices and in aspects related to the regulation, commissioning and quality assurance of energy generated by renewable sources.  Another important aspect is that related to energy efficiency in homes, as it is the sector with the highest demand for energy in Europe, as well as sustainable mobility, which presents two well-differentiated challenges: the electrification of the mobile vehicle fleet and energy storage, necessary to guarantee adequate energy supply.

Knowledge exchange

Seminars, conferences and workshops to share knowledge and experiences between researchers, students and professionals in the sector, as well as collaborations in the organisation of scientific congresses related to the generation, consumption and transport of energy.

Development of educational programs

The creation of study programs and specialized courses in energy transition, both undergraduate and postgraduate, makes it possible to provide an offer that gives rise to the participation of the teaching staff and favors the mobility of students from the universities of the alliance. One of the main and most attractive academic offerings are the Combined Intensive Programs BIPs, short programs based on innovative teaching and learning methods that are delivered thanks to online cooperation between several alliance partners. Its topics are varied: from issues related to the theory of circuits and smart grids, to the management of big data in the field of energy. Work is currently being done on the creation of a training campus for students on issues related to the energy transition, a space in which students can participate, contribute ideas and join challenges that will allow them to face the energy transition of the future.

Collaboration with industry

The establishment of links with companies and organisations in the energy sector to develop applied research projects and promote the transfer of technology from the regional environment of the nine universities of the alliance is crucial, for two reasons: because they confer added value and because they provide an academic vision with which to transmit to society the knowledge acquired by the different research groups focused on the energy transition.

Awareness and citizen participation

Programming of activities aimed at society, in general, to promote awareness of the importance of the energy transition and the promotion of citizen participation in this process.

Research areas

Basic and applied research: analysis and development of new technologies focused on renewable energies such as solar, wind, hydraulic, geothermal and biomass, with which the aim is to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Energy storage

Development and study of efficient storage systems to be able to use renewable energies when surpluses are produced, guarantee electricity supply at times of low generation and evaluate their technical and remunerative behaviour within the electricity grids.  In collaboration with the Digital Transition TIG, it is studying how to improve the management of electricity grids to efficiently integrate renewable energies and optimise energy consumption. Along with these aspects, new materials are also being studied to improve the performance of energy technologies and reduce their environmental impact, which would increase generation capacity, as well as minimise production and operating costs.

Energy policy analysis

Regulatory frameworks play an important role in the energy transition, as they allow for the establishment of market operating rules and security when making economic investments. For this reason, the energy transition working group is analysing the impact of existing energy policies on promoting new measures to accelerate the energy transition.

Energy systems modelling

One of the pillars of the energy transition is the upgrading of the electricity grid, both at regional, national and continental levels, where the STAR EU ALLIANCE research group uses computer models to simulate different energy scenarios and assess the consequences of technical and policy decisions.

Technology transfer

Permanent contact with companies in the energy sector to develop and commercialise new energy technologies and offer advice to the business and government sector on energy transition.

Scientific and social dissemination

Publication of the results of the TIG research in specialized scientific journals and presentation of the works at national and international scientific events. In this sense, the TIG is working on the planning of a set of dissemination activities to publicise progress in the field of energy transition and raise awareness in society about the need to undertake a change in the current energy model.

Challenges and opportunities

The group of researchers associated with the TIG has analysed the challenges and opportunities to be faced, with a view to a future based on renewable energies. These include the initial price of installing renewable energy systems, the intermittency of renewable sources – which makes it difficult to ensure a stable energy supply – and the need to modernize energy infrastructure to accommodate renewable energy sources, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Leader

Benjamín González(bgdiaz@ull.edu.es)

Co-Leader

Paweł Ocłoń(pawel.oclon@pk.edu.pl)