PhD in Incorporation of behavioural aspects in energy system modelling (1.0 FTE)

Today, society is facing a multitude of challenges to come to a sustainable society. Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges and accelerating the energy transition, as well as a circular economy is one of the key responses prioritized in many countries.
Behaviour and decision making of different societal actors (companies, consumers) in terms of consumption, investments, etc. is one of the most complex factors in the energy transition. Actor groups are often heterogenous and a one size fits all solution is usually far from optimal. At the same time, understanding behaviour and decisions is very important to know what incentives are effective and how to steer and stimulate the energy transition into preferred directions 
This project will cover both a social science component to what extent behavioural aspects can reasonably be parameterized and a modelling component on how such parameterization can be incorporated in energy system modelling that are targeting simulation of transition pathways over time. Big data analytics can play a role to investigate how parameterization of behavioural aspects can be validated and with what level of (un)certainty. This work will build on available modelling tools and capabilities (e.g. existing Energy System Models and simulation modelling techniques) and will be supported from both social sciences side as well as by system analysis and modelling expertise. This will allow to connect the gained insights to other parallel projects within the programme that focuses on modelling the energy and climate transition. The PhD-project is part of the programme KCET, which aims to generate integrated insights for the energy transition between TNO, Utrecht University, and other partners. You will closely collaborate with other PhD researchers in this programme and staff from the participating institutions.