Online Lecture Series 2024
"Energy Transition"

Online | October-November 2024

EURECA-PRO is starting the fifth free online lecture series consists of 14 lectures presented by leading professors and researchers. The general topic of the Module is Introduction to Sustainable Development Goals with emphasis on Responsible Consumption and Production.

OBJECTIVES:

The Lectures are intended to provide an Introduction to Sustainable Development Goals with emphasis on Responsible Consumption and Production. The specific topic of the upcoming winter semester is “Energy transition”, illustrated by the following thematic areas:
  • EU Green Deal and energy transition
  • Infrastructure for energy transition
  • Energy markets
  • Energy technologies
  • Transition strategies
  • Materials for energy transition
  • Environmental impacts

This lecture will be presented by leading professors and researchers of nine European universities from eight countries. The lectures are open for students, researchers and academic staff.

Please note: Registration for ECTS in the Lecture Series Module is now closed. However, free listeners are still warmly welcome to join!

Register here!
Students from EURECA-PRO partner universities can take the series as a free elective and receive three credit points, if they attend at least 80% of the lectures and pass the module exam.

Certificates

All participants can get a Certificate of Attendance for each lecture! The lecture series is one part of the module „Introduction to Sustainable Development Goals with emphasis on Responsible Consumption and Production“. Recognition with 3 ECTS credits can be granted if 11 lectures are attended and an online test is taken. We will send necessary information and conditions of participation until 10th of October to anyone who has expressed interest by registering.

Topics of the fifth free Online Lecture Series 2024

The Online Lecture Series 2024 will begin in October, focusing on the general topic of Introduction to Sustainable Development Goals, with emphasis on Responsible Consumption and Production.
09
Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
Lecture title

The materials behind the green and digital transition

Dr. Alexandre Nominé
Monday, 7th October, 9:00 CET
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07
Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
Lecture title

Sustainability of rechargeable batteries for energy storage

Prof. Dr. An Hardy
Wednesday, 9th October, 9:00 CET
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09
Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
Lecture title

Green Bonds and The Energy Transition: Efficiency and Social Inequalities

Dr. Verónica Acurio Vásconez
Monday, 14th October, 10:00 CET
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SUT
Silesian University of Technology, Poland
Lecture title

Renewable hydrogen generation & storage with risk analysis for its infrastructure

Dr. Wojciech Kosman
Monday, 21st October, 9:00 CET
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SUT
Silesian University of Technology, Poland
Lecture title

Superconducting technology for energy conversion and distribution

Prof. Dr. Mariusz Stępień
Wednesday, 23rd October, 9:00 CET
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TUC
Technical University of Crete, Greece
Lecture title

Τhe intersection of green and smart city and the “phygital” world: How nature-based solutions improve the health and wellbeing in cities

Prof. Dr. Dionysia Kolokotsa
Monday, 28th October, 9:00 CET
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09
Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
Lecture title

Energy transition, a global perspective

Prof. Fabrice Lemoine
Wednesday, 30th October, 9:00 CET
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TUC
Technical University of Crete, Greece
Lecture title

Sustainable Energy & Mobility in Tourism Destinations

Prof. Theocharis Tsoutsos
Wednesday, 6th November, 9:00 CET
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09
Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
Lecture title

Constraints and limits of the energy transition in the territories: the example of Europe

Prof. Michel Deshaies
Monday, 11th November, 9:00 CET
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SUT
Silesian University of Technology, Poland
Lecture title

The role of turbomachinery in the energy transition

Prof. Sławomir Dykas
Wednesday, 13th November, 9:00 CET
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08
Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria
Lecture title

Routes to Climate Neutrality – Key Elements of Future Energy Systems

Prof. Dr. Thomas Kienberger
Monday, 18th November, 9:00 CET
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07
Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
Lecture title

Participatory Design of energy transitions on neigbourhood-scale. The cases of the garden cities in Genk and the post-war neighbourhoods in Kortrijk, Belgium.

Prof. Dr. Liesbeth Huybrechts
Monday, 25th November, 9:00 CET
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08
Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria
Lecture title

Energy Economics and Markets

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Posch
Wednesday, November 27th, 9:00 CET
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08
Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria
Lecture title

Critical raw material assessment

Dr. Gerald Feichtinger
Monday, 2nd December, 9:00 CET
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TUBAF logo blue 02
TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany
Lecture title

Renewable Energy 2030 in Germany

Prof. Dr. Jan C. Bongaerts
Wednesday, 4th December, 9:00 CET
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Dr. Alexandre Nominé

The materials behind the green and digital transition
Université de Lorraine | October 7th, Monday, 09:00

Dr. Alexandre Nominé, associate professor at the University of Lorraine, leads EU-funded projects on sustainable raw materials and heads the HERawS project, which has won awards for its innovative approach.

In this seminar, Dr. Nominé will explore the crucial role of materials in the global shift towards green and digital transitions. He will introduce a methodology for designing sustainable materials that balance performance, ecological impact, and resource availability. Learn how this approach can reshape innovation and influence future demand for raw materials.

Prof. Dr. An Hardy

Sustainability of rechargeable batteries for energy storage
Hasselt University | | October 9th, Wednesday, 09:00

Join Prof. An Tiny Maria Hardy, full professor of Chemistry at UHasselt and leader of the DESINe research group, as she delves into the critical role of batteries in our energy systems. With over 160 published papers and a deep expertise in inorganic nanomaterials for energy applications, Prof. Hardy will discuss the growing sustainability concerns surrounding rechargeable batteries. 

The lecture will focus on the role of batteries in the energy system, the sustainability concerns in question, and how to tackle them according to the most recent insights in this quickly evolving field.

Prof. Verónica Acurio Vásconez

Green Bonds and The Energy Transition: Efficiency and Social Inequalities
Université de Lorraine | October 14th, Monday, 10:00

Prof. Verónica Acurio Vásconez, an Associate Professor at the University of Lorraine and expert in energy economics, will explore the pressing need for a sustainable energy transition. Traditional tools like carbon taxes have faced backlash for deepening social inequalities, as seen in global protests. 

In this lecture, Prof. Acurio Vásconez will introduce green bonds as a potential solution. She will discuss their efficiency in promoting eco-friendly enterprises and analyse their impact on the broader economy and different social groups. Join us to gain insights into this innovative approach to the energy transition.

Prof. Wojciech Kosman

Renewable hydrogen generation & storage with risk analysis for its infrastructure
Silesian University of Technology | October 21st, Monday, 09:00

Prof. Wojciech Kosman, a Ph.D. in machine design and operation and professor at the Silesian University of Technology, is an expert in power generation systems and risk evaluation for technical systems. His recent research includes optimising power generation and analysing risks in hydrogen infrastructure.

In this lecture, Prof. Kosman will delve into the complexities of renewable hydrogen generation and storage, with a special focus on storage systems—the most critical and challenging aspect of hydrogen processing. Using the example of a hydrogen refuelling station designed for cars, trucks, and buses, he will explore the potential risks and hazards associated with hydrogen storage and how these can be managed. This lecture aims to provide valuable insights into the safety and efficiency of hydrogen infrastructure in the context of sustainable energy.

Prof. Mariusz Stępień

Superconducting technology for energy conversion and distribution
Silesian University of Technology | October 23rd, Wednesday, 09:00

Prof. Mariusz Stępień, a Ph.D. in machine design and operation and professor at the Silesian University of Technology, specialises in power generation systems, fluid flow diagnostics, and risk evaluation for technical systems. His recent work includes collaborations with the energy industry, focusing on nuclear power and hydrogen infrastructure.

In this lecture, Prof. Stępień will explore the exciting potential of superconducting technology in energy conversion and distribution. Beginning with an introduction to the basic properties of superconductors, he will cover superconducting materials and the fundamentals of cryogenic technology. The main focus will be on real-world applications, including superconducting magnets, transmission lines, cables, machines, transformers, and superconducting fault current limiters (SFCL). This lecture will provide a comprehensive overview of how superconductivity could revolutionise energy systems.

Dr. Dionysia Kolokotsa

The intersection of green and smart city and the “phygital” world: How nature-based solutions improve the health and wellbeing in cities
Technical University of Crete | October 28th, Monday, 09:00

Prof. Dr. Dionysia Kolokotsa, a leading expert in energy management and Professor at the Technical University of Crete, specialises in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable urban development. Her research advances zero-energy buildings, urban overheating solutions, and smart grid technologies.

In this lecture, Prof. Kolokotsa will explore how nature-based solutions can enhance health and well-being in cities facing challenges from urbanisation and climate change. She will discuss integrating these solutions with smart city technologies to create a “phygital” environment—a blend of physical and digital worlds. The lecture will present case studies from seven European cities, showcasing how digital twins of natural and built environments, along with health-related performance indicators, can revolutionise urban living. The role of citizen interaction through apps and games in shaping these “phygital” cities will also be highlighted.

Prof. Dr. Fabrice Lemoine

Energy transition, a global perspective
Université de Lorraine | October 30th, Wednesday, 09:00

Prof. Dr. Fabrice Lemoine, a distinguished professor of energetics at the University of Lorraine, has an extensive background in heat and mass transfer in two-phase flows, with applications in energy processes. Serving as Vice President for European Strategy at the University of Lorraine, he has played a pivotal role in interdisciplinary projects focused on hydrogen for energy and leads the Erasmus Mundus international master’s program on decentralized smart energy systems.

In this lecture, Prof. Lemoine will delve into the critical relationship between energy supply and its carbon footprint, exploring how energy consumption drives climate change. He will introduce foundational energy concepts, such as energy sources, carriers, and the carbon content of both energy and manufactured products. The lecture will provide a comprehensive overview of the global energy landscape, emphasizing European policies like the Green Deal, Fit for 55, and RePowerEU. Additionally, Prof. Lemoine will explore deep decarbonization scenarios outlined by the International Energy Agency, discussing cutting-edge solutions for industrial decarbonization, carbon removal technologies, and the role of hydrogen in achieving a sustainable energy future.

Prof. Theocharis Tsoutsos

Sustainable Energy & Mobility in Tourism Destinations
Technical University of Crete | November 6th, Wednesday, 09:00

Prof. Theocharis Tsoutsos, a leading expert in renewable energy and sustainability, is a Professor at the Technical University of Crete and the Founder and Director of the Renewable & Sustainable Energy Lab (ReSEL). With over 140 publications and extensive experience in European energy projects, he has made significant contributions to sustainable energy and mobility research.

In this lecture, Prof. Tsoutsos will address the pressing challenges European cities face in sustainable mobility, such as congestion, pollution, and fuel consumption. He will discuss the impact of road transport, which accounts for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe, and its crucial role in meeting the 2015 Paris Agreement targets. The lecture will explore strategies outlined in the European Green Deal, aiming to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050, with a focus on reducing transport-related emissions. Prof. Tsoutsos will also highlight sustainable mobility solutions tailored for tourism destinations, offering insights into how these can contribute to broader climate goals.

Prof. Michel Deshaies

Constraints and limits of the energy transition in the territories: the example of Europe
Université de Lorraine | November 11th, Monday, 09:00

Prof. Michel Deshaies, a Professor of Geography at the University of Lorraine since 2006, specialises in research on renewable energy and the energy transition, particularly in Germany.

In this lecture, Prof. Deshaies will explore the challenges and inconsistencies between the ambitious goals of the European Green Deal and the practical realities of energy development across Europe. He will examine how technical and geographical constraints may hinder the EU’s ability to meet its emission reduction targets, particularly with the increase in intermittent renewable energies and the push for renewable hydrogen production. The lecture will critically assess the feasibility of the Green Deal’s objectives in relation to Europe’s available renewable resources.

Prof. Sławomir Dykas

The role of turbomachinery in the energy transition
Silesian University of Technology | November 13th, Wednesday, 09:00

Prof. Sławomir Dykas, with 30 years of experience in analysing and designing turbomachinery components, has focused his research on flow path design using numerical techniques and, more recently, on two-phase transonic flows in turbomachinery channels.

In this lecture, Prof. Dykas will explore the evolving role of turbomachines in the context of the energy transition. He will trace the historical development of turbomachinery, highlighting the significant efficiency improvements over the past 150 years and the new challenges presented by modern energy demands. The discussion will cover the adaptation of turbomachines for various working fluids and conditions, emphasising their importance in both traditional thermal power installations and autonomous operations like Power-to-X-to-Power and energy storage systems. Prof. Dykas will underscore the critical need for high efficiency and reliability in turbomachine design to minimise energy losses and ensure effective energy conversion and storage, arguing that turbomachines are essential components in the successful implementation of sustainable energy technologies.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Kienberger

Routes to Climate Neutrality – Key Elements of Future Energy Systems
Montanuniversität Leoben | November 18th, Monday, 09:00

Prof. Thomas Kienberger, Chair of Energy Network Technology at Montanuniversität Leoben, specialises in optimising public and industrial energy systems. His lecture will address the challenges faced by the industrial sector during the energy transition, starting with an overview of European and national trends in energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions. He will present best practices for integrating industrial energy systems with public grids, with a focus on waste heat recovery and system services. 

The lecture will also explore decarbonising industrial processes using efficiency methods such as exergy analysis and evaluating their economic feasibility. Additionally, Prof. Kienberger will discuss the integration of renewables, storage, and demand-side management (DSM), highlighting AI-driven solutions to enhance flexibility. Participants will engage with case studies and practical examples to apply these concepts and conduct independent analyses for energy optimisation strategies aimed at climate neutrality.

Prof. Liesbeth Huybrechts

Participatory Design of energy transitions on neighbourhood-scale. The cases of the garden cities in Genk and the post-war neighbourhoods in Kortrijk, Belgium.
Hasselt University | November 25th, Monday, 09:00

Prof. Liesbeth Huybrechts, an Associate Professor at the University of Hasselt, specialises in participatory design, design anthropology, and spatial transformation processes. Her research focuses on fostering participatory exchanges and capacity building between humans and the material/natural environment, with an emphasis on the “politics” of these interactions.

In this lecture, Prof. Huybrechts will explore the use of Participatory Design approaches in facilitating energy transitions at the neighbourhood scale. Drawing on two case studies from Belgium—the garden cities in Genk and the post-war neighbourhoods in Kortrijk—she will discuss how designers collaborated with residents, public authorities, and local organisations to advance sustainable energy goals in historically significant areas. The lecture will delve into the successes and challenges of these participatory processes, examining what methods effectively engaged diverse stakeholders, where tensions arose, and how the projects balanced energy, social, and cultural objectives. Prof. Huybrechts will also reflect on issues of inclusion and exclusion in these transitions, offering insights into the complexities of aligning community and environmental goals.

Prof. Wolfgang Posch

Energy Economics and Markets
Montanuniversität Leoben | November 27th, Wednesday, 09:00

Prof. Wolfgang Posch, head of the Department of Economics and Business Management at Montanuniversität Leoben, specialises in sustainable value creation through resource economics, energy management, and business analytics. His extensive experience includes roles as chief strategist and chief economist at OMV Upstream, as well as management consultant with Arthur D. Little and Accenture.

In this lecture, Prof. Posch will provide an overview of key changes in energy markets necessary to meet CO2 reduction targets. He will focus on energy efficiency measures combined with electrification and discuss their implications for oil and gas markets, including peak demand concerns. The lecture will outline energy scenarios and potential pathways to achieving Net Zero CO2, highlighting the resulting challenges and opportunities for industries. Prof. Posch will also introduce relevant management tools to navigate these changes effectively.

Dr. Gerald Feichtinger

Critical raw material assessment
Montanuniversität Leoben | Monday, 2nd December, 9:00 CET

Dr. Gerald Feichtinger, Senior Scientist at the Chair of Economics and Business Management, specialises in resource economics, sustainability management, and corporate ESG.

In this lecture, Feichtinger will introduce critical raw material assessments essential for managing the energy transition and the broader green and digital transformation. He will review the European Commission’s periodic evaluations of key raw materials, conducted every three years since 2011, and present various evaluation methodologies used in these assessments. The discussion will cover how these critical materials impact the success of energy transitions and sustainable development initiatives.

Prof. Dr. Jan C. Bongaerts

Renewable Energy 2030 in Germany
TU Bergakademie Freiberg | Wednesday, 4th December, 9:00 CET

Prof. Jan C. Bongaerts, Emeritus Professor of International Environmental and Resources Management at Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, will be delivering a lecture on the future of renewable energy in Germany by 2030. This lecture will cover key topics including current trends and future developments in renewable electricity generation, demand, and international trade in Germany. It will also explore the legislative framework supporting the energy transition, focusing on policies promoting renewable energy. 

Prof. Bongaerts will explain the structure and operation of electricity markets, covering market types, pricing mechanisms, and energy taxation, while addressing the challenges posed by the growth of renewable energy. With his extensive experience in environmental management and project financing, Prof. Bongaerts will provide valuable insights into the opportunities and obstacles facing Germany’s renewable energy sector as it moves towards its 2030 goals.