Multi-scalar decision-making: from micro to macro
This stream of research aims to understand how energy systems are affected by individual decisions and decision-making paradigms. The decisions we consider range from individual consumer choices to geopolitical prioritization. The decision-making frameworks we consider include weighing short- versus long-term gains and complementarities between system design goals, such as affordability, reliability, security, and environmental and social impacts. We rely on various methods – including optimization, agent-based modelling, and statistical analysis – to understand the implications of these decisions and decision-making frameworks. Our group is always looking for new ways to understand energy systems – reach out to learn more and collaborate!
Household
The electrification of traditional fossil fuel-powered energy services such as residential heat and transport can have economic, environmental, and security consequences that impact multiple stakeholders, from end-users to national policymakers. We use optimization techniques and agent-based modeling to assess these associated impacts and support decisions on system configurations, technology adoption, and policymaking.
Lab members: Arvind Srinivasan, Linda Brodnicke
Local
Our research in decentralized energy infrastructure is unveiling local capacity to support the energy transition by enabling multi-energy systems to reduce emissions and enhance flexibility. We study how the flexibility from distributed energy resources can be used for grid support at both national and local levels, integrating them into distribution network planning and the ancillary services markets.
Lab members: Lorenzo Zapparoli, Alfredo Oneto, Linda Brodnicke, Dr. Kate Lonergan
National
Achieving the Swiss Energy Strategy 2050 requires understanding the factors driving technology adoption patterns. These factors include peer networks, business structures, cost barriers, and local technology hosting capacity. In this line of research, we scale the impact of local decisions on national trends using agent-based modelling, statistical analysis, and optimization.
Lab members: Alfredo Oneto, Linda Brodnicke, Dr. Kate Lonergan
Continental
Europe has long positioned itself as a global leader in energy and climate policy, and seeks to achieve an effective, low-cost, and fair energy transition. To this end, we investigate the technical, political, and societal feasibility of the European energy transition using empirical data and transition pathway optimization.
Lab members: Jacob Mannhardt, Dr. Kate Lonergan
Global
We focus on global decision-making for a successful energy transition, analyzing the impacts and scalability of technology and policy interventions. Using optimization and agent-based modeling, we assess policy tradeoffs, examine how decentralized actions affect global energy outcomes, and provide insights to support policymaking.
Lab members: Dr. Can Cui, Arvind Srinivasan