JP e3s events

JP e3s annually organizes scientific conferences and thematic workshops (open to the broader public or to its members only) to discuss about the most crucial topics related to the clean energy transition and the impacts they could have on the society.

2024, September 25 - Workshop on Cultural Engagement Through Digitalization as a Driver of the Clean Energy Transition

This EERA JP e3s workshop, part of the Sustainable Places 2024 Conference, explored how cultural engagement and digitalization can become pivotal in driving the clean energy transition. Organized within the framework of key EERA JP e3s Sub-Programme 1 and SP2, the session brought together interdisciplinary experts to discuss how creative sectors and digital tools can inspire sustainable practices and support emissions reduction.

The workshop included presentations from fields such as environmental psychology, digitalization in architecture, and arts-science collaborations. Speakers highlighted how leveraging cultural contexts and emotional engagement can foster more impactful and enduring behavioral changes. Key insights included the role of digital tools—such as IoT and immersive environments—in raising environmental awareness, while art installations and citizen science initiatives were shown to evoke emotional responses that encourage individuals to reflect on their environmental impact.

Themes emphasized the power of emotional engagement through arts, the adaptability of digital platforms to expand energy awareness and data collection, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in sustainable energy efforts. The workshop concluded with discussions on best practices and next steps, including the development of focused groups on cultural engagement and a planned publication on the intersection of creativity and smart cities. 

Rewatch the workshop here.

READ THE PROCEEDINGS HERE

2024, September 24 - Joint workshop on Revamping Hydropower Research

On September 24, 2024, EERA JP e3s (led by Sub-Programme 4), Hydropower and Digitalization for Energy hosted a workshop titled "Revamping Hydropower Research" at the Université Libre de Bruxelles. The event focused on enhancing hydropower’s role in the clean energy transition (CET) and addressing both technical and non-technical challenges within the sector.

The workshop featured three key sessions. The first session examined the role of hydropower in the CET, including its impact on energy markets and socio-economic benefits across Europe. Presenters shared insights on energy justice and the renewable energy landscape in the Western Balkans. Each presentation was followed by a panel discussion that facilitated in-depth dialogue among participants.

The second session focused on innovative solutions in hydropower, discussing topics such as the potential of flexible Norwegian hydropower in managing renewable energy variability and evaluating traditional and seawater pumped hydro storage plants. Again, this session concluded with a panel discussion, allowing attendees to explore the presented concepts further.

The third session addressed critical issues like life cycle assessments, biodiversity impacts, and the role of digitalization in enhancing hydropower's potential. Presenters showcased innovative monitoring technologies and strategies to mitigate environmental impacts. Following this session, another engaging panel discussion allowed for the exchange of ideas and best practices among experts.

The workshop concluded with remarks emphasizing the collective commitment of EERA members to advance hydropower research and strengthen collaborations in the energy sector. This event marked a significant step in aligning efforts to promote sustainable hydropower solutions and foster innovation for a cleaner energy future.

The proceedings of the workshop will be made public soon.

2024, June 4 - Joint Workshop on Sustainability in Energy Systems: Considering Multiple Perspectives in Design and Assessment

On June 4, 2024, EERA Joint Programmes e3s (led by Sub-Programme 3) and ESI jointly organized a workshop in Kaunas, titled “Sustainability in Energy Systems: Considering Multiple Perspectives in Design and Assessment.” This engaging event brought together experts and researchers to explore the multifaceted nature of sustainability within energy systems.

The workshop commenced with an introduction to its scope and objectives, emphasizing the importance of integrating diverse perspectives in energy system design. Participants then delved into foundational questions about sustainability, guided by expert insights.

The morning sessions focused on various methodologies critical to sustainability assessment, including energy systems modeling, societal integration challenges, life cycle sustainability analysis, and multi-criteria decision-making. These presentations provided a comprehensive overview of current practices and identified gaps that need addressing for more holistic energy transition scenarios.

Following the formal presentations, participants showcased their research through a poster exhibition, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. The afternoon featured a dynamic World Café session, where attendees engaged in discussions on impact assessment methods, the benefits and limitations of different modeling approaches, and future research directions.

Concluding the workshop, participants summarized the key insights and actionable solutions for advancing sustainable energy systems, with plans to compile these discussions into a white paper. This workshop highlighted the collective commitment to developing more inclusive and effective strategies for the energy transition, ensuring that sustainability remains at the forefront of energy system design and assessment.

READ the proceedings here

2023, October 26 - Conference on energy demand reduction

On 26th October 2023 the JP e3s, under coordination of Sub-Programme 1, organized the conference "Fostering Changes in energy consuption: a pathway to demand reduction" in Padova (Italy). The event represented a starting point to stimulate a scientific and interdisciplinary discussion about energy demand reduction, that will culminate in the writing and publication of a White Paper on the topic in summer 2024. The Conference was structured in 3 main sessions, corresponding to three different, but complementary, ways of addressing energy demand reduction. Here below are the presentations of each session:

Keynote speeches:

Behavioural change:

Energy Efficiency:

Energy Sufficiency:

2023, June 16 - Joint Workshop on non-technical factors for Energy Storage deployment

On 16th June 2023 the EERA Joint Programmes e3s and Energy Storage co-organized the workshop "Energy for the future: exploring non-technical factors for Energy Storage deployment". The event contributed  to build a multidisciplinary bridge through the promotion of a concrete dialogue and practical exchange of knowledge, information and perspectives among the members of the two EERA Joint Programmes Energy Storage and e3s-clean Energy tranSition for Sustainable Society . In addition to a comprehensive, although synthetic, reciprocal update about the state of the art on the most promising ES technologies, with a specific focus on hydrogen and its storage potential, and the most widely diffused social, legal and economic widely recognized factors affecting RES technologies development at the different scales of  the energy system (EU, national, regional and local), the participants have been engaged in a structured discussion aimed at identifying the main challenges and explore possible ES solutions to be diffused in the EU energy system.

READ HERE THE MAIN INSIGHTS FROM THE WORKSHOP