What should the energy system of the future look like? Just, inclusive, reliable, and sustainable are the four essentials, according to Luc van Summeren. He is an assistant professor and a member of the Technology, Innovation & Society research group at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e).
Source: IOplus / Mauro Mereu
In his daily work, between classes and conferences, Luc van Summeren is actively involved in several research projects aimed at exploring solutions that can reshape the energy system. In particular, the professor is examining decentralized energy systems, led by local entities, that integrate heat, electricity, and digital technologies.
Citizen engagement is central. "Involving people in the energy transition motivates them not only to be consumers but rather to act as energy citizens, making them feel more responsible and behave differently," he says.
The potential of energy communities
Energy communities encompass all of these aspects. An energy community is a legal entity that empowers citizens, small businesses, and local authorities to generate, manage, and consume their energy. In these collectives, citizens take ownership of energy generation, gaining access to low-cost, locally produced renewable power in return.
Community-based energy systems differ from the current organization of the energy system, where power generation is centralized and controlled by companies.
Throughout his career, Luc has studied several of these entities. "A model like that of the energy communities calls for a radically different way of organizing the energy system, from the market to the regulation connected to it. And yet, we have to fully understand how it would play out on a wider scale," he explains.
At the same time, replicating the concept isn't merely a matter of copying and pasting. Van Summeren: "The technology can be replicated, but ultimately, the social fabric of each community is unique. When establishing a new energy community, the first essential element is a strong sense of community among the citizens who participate in it."
Therefore, the researcher argues that these entities must bring tangible value to both the community and society as a whole. It can happen, for instance, by enhancing grid stability or promoting the adoption of renewables among the less affluent.
Empowering communities
Given the complexity of challenges and the relevance of each different context, there can be multiple ways to study grassroots-driven energy initiatives. As part of EmPowerED , led by Professor Floor Alkelmade, Luc and his colleagues will work on developing tools that help municipalities shape the best-suited solutions for their specific contexts.
These tools address challenges related to citizen engagement, local governance, and the integration of technology and infrastructure.
The researcher is also working on the ACCU project alongside Martijn Wiarda. The goal is to contribute to sustainable, affordable, reliable, and inclusive local energy solutions that benefit local communities. Luc will also explore how these types of solutions can be adapted for communities with limited resources, and what role local governments might play in making that happen.
The SmartCore project, in which he is also involved, builds upon his PhD research on community-based Virtual Power Plants. Led by Anna Wieczorek, researchers and energy communities collaborate to explore new possibilities that benefit local communities while balancing demand and supply, and mitigating grid congestion.
For all the different projects he works on, Luc aims to translate the lessons learned from a given local project into something valuable for communities and local governments. "Overall, I'm interested in the connection between the different technologies at our disposal and how they can be utilized to cater to the needs of a community and society as a whole."
"And also, how to increase their capabilities to make the green transition fairer," emphasizes the assistant professor.
Becoming a researcher
Engaging in interdisciplinary projects that explore - such as technology, energy systems, and citizen engagement - feels like the right fit for Luc, who has always had broad interests. For the same reason, choosing a study wasn't an obvious call, so he enrolled in a bachelor's program in technical innovation sciences at the TU/e, now renamed Sustainable Innovation.
"We had technical courses, as well as psychology, sociology, and economics. That gave me a systemic perspective on society and the unfolding transitions," he says.
Continuing his path, he pursued a master's degree in innovation sciences and joined the research company DuneWorks, initially for an internship, before staying for four years. The organization focuses on the societal aspects relating to energy transitions, something Luc enjoyed, and where he could apply his knowledge to support real-world transformation.
"My idea was not to become a researcher, or at least not one who only works in a lab, because I enjoy being involved with all actors involved in ongoing transition efforts. Then, back at DuneWorks, while working on a project involving community-based Virtual Power Plants led by TU/e, a PhD position also became available. Since I was going to work on the project anyway, I thought I might as well apply for it."
Impact on students and society
In addition to his research activities, Luc also teaches. In his classes, he strives to challenge his students as much as possible. "I want them to think critically, to challenge assumptions underlying the status quo, and to understand that technology alone doesn't solve problems-people, their actions, and context matter," he says.
While also involved in some challenge-based learning courses, a class in which students try to solve real-world sustainability challenges, he also engages his students - and fellow colleagues - in another way: through his drawings .
"It is a good way to convey complex concepts easily, and they stay with people. At conferences, colleagues immediately recognize me after seeing me presenting and including some drawings," he adds.
As is the case with energy communities, being part of a group of like-minded people working towards the same goal-the energy transition-is key to Luc. "I have always been sensitive to injustices. Being able to make an impact in accelerating the energy transition and in making it more just is what drives me, " he concludes.
