WSED 2024

Event Details:

Topic: Empowering Prosumers to Become Steerers in Local Energy Systems
Speakers: Hani Alers, Senior Researcher, Lotte H. Kuiper and Ruben G. Buist, Students, The Hague University of Applied Sciences
Location: World Sustainable Energy Days, Wels, Austria
Date: 5-8 Mar 2024
Organized by: The OÖ Energiesparverband

At the World Sustainable Energy Days in Wels, Austria, an inspiring collaboration showcased the innovative work of the UNESCO Chair AI & Data Science and The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Hani Alers, alongside students Lotte H. Kuiper and Ruben Buist, presented a pivotal paper on the transformational role of Local Energy Systems (LESs) in our transition towards renewable energy. Their work, emphasizing the empowerment of end-users within LESs, marks a significant advancement in our approach to sustainable energy.

The paper, titled “Empowering Prosumers to Become Steerers in Local Energy Systems,” underscores the importance of community engagement and the development of leadership and technical skills for steering LESs effectively. This collaborative effort not only contributes to the academic discourse but also offers practical strategies for communities and policymakers aiming to foster sustainable local energy initiatives.

The event served as a vibrant platform for dialogue, with the team’s findings sparking interest and discussion among experts and attendees. It highlighted the necessity of empowering individuals within energy systems, thereby reinforcing the vital link between technological innovation and societal benefit.

We extend our gratitude to the conference organizers for providing the stage for this essential conversation. The participation of our team at the World Sustainable Energy Days stands as a testament to our commitment to driving forward the agenda of sustainable energy and community empowerment. Through such collaborative efforts, we continue to explore and expand the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of sustainable energy and societal advancement.