SUM2030 project in the spotlight: shocks and the energy transition
As part of the SUM2030 seed fund program Transition to a fossil-free society, the project "Shocks and the energy transition" is currently underway.
The path to sustainable energy is anything but smooth. The journey is subject to various shocks—unforeseen events that, while rare, can have significant impacts on the pace and direction of the transition. These shocks can range from geopolitical situations, such as wars and sabotage of critical infrastructure, to severe climate events like extreme heatwaves, droughts, or a combination of both. Additionally, abrupt trade conflicts can also pose major challenges.
This project brings together colleagues from various faculties, as well as external experts, to examine how such shocks can disrupt the energy transition and what their potential consequences might be. But it’s not just about external disruptions—energy transitions themselves can also give rise to shocks, like grid congestion, that could threaten progress.
To make the research more relevant and applicable, the project uses the Limburg region as a case study. By analyzing potential shock scenarios in this specific context, the team aims to understand how shocks can influence sustainability transitions and how societies can better prepare for and respond to these challenges. The insights generated from this research will be shared with experts and stakeholders through the UM's Transit Platform before summer.
If you are interested in this research, please contact the project leader Nicole Rijkens (n.rijkens@maastrichtuniversity.nl)!
