BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT The Paris Agreement aims at strengthening the global response to climate change. In Europe, the European Green Deal sets out to reach climate-neutrality by 2050. In order to achieve these goals, national and common EU policies support the use of renewable energy. New cross-border interconnections within the continental energy system are being built, a single energy market allows energy trade across the Union, and cooperation between communities, companies, universities, regions, and countries opens new pathways to a more sustainable way of life and new technologies. However, climate neutrality is not only a great opportunity, it also represents a formidable challenge. While public discourse rightfully describes renewable energy as a solution to climate change, planning and implementing the necessary common measures remains difficult. Largely due to its market-disrupting effects, the energy transition meets a complex set of opportunities and challenges. This is particularly true at the international level, where the different interests of individual countries further complicate the transition. Hence, if climate protection and sustainability are to bet achieved, the international ramifications of new energy technologies need to be understood. Furthermore, qualified personnel is needed to reap the opportunities stemming from renewable energy. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT Around the year 2015 a handful of scholars started to explore the impact of renewables on interstate energy relations. Publications by Stratfor and The Economist have given the topic of the 'geopolitics of renewables' international recognition. A 2019 report by the International Renewables Energy Agency was another watershed moment. Since then, studies abound. In response to COVID-19, the ‘Geopolitics of Renewables Simulation' (GeoReSim) project now aims at developing an international learning environment that provides university students with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved with the transition to renewable energy. In view of the need for digital tools for distance learning due to the pandemic, the GeoReSim project will develop a fully digital and web-based solution. Developing and using this digital learning platform (the 'Geopolitics of Renewables Simulation') represents the central goal of the GeoReSim project. Despite temporary interruptions of in-class learning activities due to COVID-19 (or similar crises), this software will allow students to engage in simulated, real-time negotiations of international energy and climate policy with peers at other universities. DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES The GeoReSim project will first define a number of 'rules of the game' that capture the international implications of the transition to renewable energy (lead by Ghent University). It is intended to make the results of this policy-relevant work available via the International Renewable Energy Agency IRENA. Secondly, based on relevant experience, the simulation will be developed (TU Delft 'Gamelab' in the lead). Via different project activities, the simulation will be developed and tested. Student groups at the partner universities will contribute to this process. Finally, a didactically-oriented publication will be elaborated (lead by TU Munich). Dissemination activities aim at maximising the outreach. NUMBERS AND PROFILE OF PARTICIPANTS The project activities will bring together four ambitious project partners: Ghent University, TU Delft, TU Munich and the University of Stavanger. The project activities will be embedded in ongoing courses at these universities, and reach a cohort of circa 120 students during the project's lifespan. METHODOLOGY Providing an international, web-based learning environments represents the core output of the GeoReSim project. All project activities will, in various ways, contribute to the development of an online platform designed for exploring the relationship between renewables and interstate energy relations. The learning experience of the students during two test runs during the project represents an integral part of the development process. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE RESULT AND IMPACT ENVISAGED The Geopolitics of Renewables Simulation is to be a didactically sound and lasting result. Its development and later usage will contribute to the digital competencies of educators and students alike. Moreover, the project result will increase the understanding of the dynamics of transnational negotiations in the field of renewable energy. The various project activities are suited to increase the practical skills of the participating students and increase their employability. POTENTIAL LONGER TERM BENEFIT The project is suited to facilitate a smooth, i.e. fast, stable and just transition towards sustainability and renewable energy. The outcomes of the GeoReSim project will open the way for further use of digital technology for teaching, training and research.
Primarily, the project aimed at developing a new digital tool for web-based learning and teaching. This includes a new learning environment suited for exploring the international aspects of renewable energy. This requires a functioning and didactic value of the simulation. Finally, the project was to produce relevant information and skills for future renewable energy practitioners. The goals of the project can be related to a number of SDGs: SDG 4: This project aimed at improving access to education (SDG 4.3) during times of interruptions. It was meant to contribute to the optimal use of digital technologies for distance education and learning worldwide. SDGs 7 and 13: The project was to create a new opportunity for students to expand their knowledge, experience and skills in the field of renewable energy through improved education (SDG 13.3). SDGs 10 and 16: The project was meant to provide students with a new opportunity to identify, assess and overcome barriers to renewable energy. It should enable students to learn about the importance of strong international policies and institutions (SDG 16.6). The simulation was meant to contribute to the employability of users through skills in various areas such as collaboration..
Developing and using the 'Geopolitics of Renewables Simulation' was the central goal of the GeoReSim project. The application resulted from two separate needs i) New knowledge/skills: a new literature on the international aspects of the energy transition had emerged. This new academic field can be described as highly complex due to the variety of overlapping issues such as politics, economics etc. A new teaching tool was needed to help students and teachers to explore this topic. Furthermore, a tool such as the geopolitics of renewables was needed to help students develop the skills needed for their future work (such as negotiating skills); ii) Interruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic: in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ‘Geopolitics of Renewables Simulation' (GeoReSim) project aimed at developing a fully digital and web-based international environment that provides university students with learning opportunities despite temporary interruptions of in-class activities. The simulation will allow students to engage in simulated, real-time negotiations of international energy and climate policy with peers at other universities