HSE Begins Collaboration on Energy Systems with Jülich Research Centre
On November 7, HSE hosted a delegation from the Jülich Research Centre in Germany. Scholars from both countries came together to discuss joint research opportunities, including transformation of energy systems for sustainable development; future studies of energy technologies, including foresight studies; and methodological issues related to big data analysis and modelling.
Researchers from HSE and the Jülich Research Centre have met on a number of previous occasions, including at international conferences such as the 7th International Conference on Applied Energy – ICAE, the 10th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems – SDEWES Conference and the XVIII HSE April International Academic Conference.
The German delegation included Professor Juergen-Friedrich Hake, Director of the Institute of Climate and Energy Research – Systems Analysis and Technology Evaluation (IEK-STE); Wilhelm Kuckshinrichs, Deputy Director of IEK-STE; and Gerd Sсhumacher from the Project Management Jülich that carries out research and innovation funding programmes on behalf of public officials. HSE was represented by researchers from the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK) and the Energy Institute.
The Jülich Research Centre is Germany’s largest energy research centre. IEK-STE explores and develops strategies for the transformation of energy systems that take into account technical, economic, ecological and social interdependencies. It investigates and operationalizes social and political principles and objectives based on their importance for future energy systems and the associated transformation process. This includes analysing the effectiveness of tools for the target-oriented management of energy systems and assessment of individual technologies and technical subsystems.
These research areas align with the research specialization of HSE ISSEK and the Energy Institute, both of which focus on energy sector foresight and forecasting, energy systems modelling and comparative studies of various energy technologies. HSE researchers also analyse global social, environmental, economic, policy and value-related trends to learn about the opportunities and threats to the energy sector and energy systems.
During the visit, the parties also shared opinions on disseminating research outcomes through scientific and public outreach activities. These will include joint publications, workshops and conferences, interactions with relevant international institutions (e.g., the International Energy Agency, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, UNDP, and UNDESA), as well as short-term visits for scientists and exchange programmes for PhD candidates.
The meeting concluded with a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by Prof. Leonid Gokhberg, HSE First Vice-Rector, and Prof. Juergen-Friedrich Hake, IEK-STE Director.
Photos by Irina Agapova, HSE ISSEK intern
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