About ENSYSTRA (ENergy SYStems in TRAnsition Innovative Training Network)
Interdisciplinary cooperation
ENSYSTRA trains 15 early stage researchers (ESRs) in all aspects of energy systems transition. The North Sea energy transition requires that technical sciences, social sciences and the humanities work together. ENSYSTRA therefore aims to train energy professionals with an integrated understanding to become experts in the front line of the energy transition.
The ENSYSTRA researchers intensively interact with each other through joint research and collaboration between the partnering universities and research institutions. Each ESR is appointed as a PhD candidate at their hosting university and is being trained in state-of-the-art science in each of the relevant fields of energy system analysis, and is being guided in how to combine methodologies, data and insights from those disciplines.
Key of the programme will be to make the crucial connections between different methods and modelling approaches in energy system analysis, technology development, actor behaviour and in the interplay with markets and regulatory frameworks.
Research on the transition to sustainable energy systems with the North Sea region as a perfect case study
Anticipating altering energy market conditions, new policies and regulations affecting all players in the system
Interdisciplinary research to make crucial connections between different methods and modelling approaches and interplay with markets, regulatory frameworks and socio-economic contexts
Unique intersectoral cooperation between different stakeholders in the energy markets and case studies in the energy market
The frontrunner region of the energy transition
The North Sea region is known as one of the biggest oil and gas hubs in Europe.
However, by shifting towards more sustainable energy sources, the region now leads the transition to sustainable energy systems.
The North Sea region offers a wide variety of potentials for sustainable energy sources and the re-use of existing grids, alongside ambitious improvements in energy efficiency in the industry and built environment.
In the areas on and around the North Sea, with their well-established national electricity grids, gas grids and district heating networks, many variables are in place to study and find strategies for successful and efficient transition strategies.
Unique intersectoral collaboration
The wide range of players in the North Sea energy system requires both a multidisciplinary- and intersectoral approach of the energy transition. Besides working with renowned research institutions and prestige universities, an important component of the project is the cooperation between the young researchers and the energy sector.
Every ESR will work with one or more of the 23 ENSYSTRA partners from the energy sector. The cooperation ensures that academic insights are translated to business and that business insights are incorporated in the research projects.
Through on the job training, mentoring, company visits, lectures, and joint research the companies will contribute to the training of professionals who gain the relevant technical and business skills. In this way ENSYSTRA aims to train experts for science, front-runner businesses and other organisations that will shape the energy transition.