The Summer School on Energy Systems provides participants with an in-depth look at the economic, policy and regulatory aspects of sector integration in the EU and the role that the various energy vectors will play in the energy system of the future. Each year the summer school has a focus on a different topic. For the third edition of the summer school, the heating sector in a decarbonised energy system was selected as the reference topic.
In this context, the summer school will analyse a range of issues related to the heating sector both from a qualitative and quantitative point of view. Every day, lectures presenting the economic, policy and regulatory aspects will alternate with lectures allowing participants to dive deeper into modelling issues and see how quantitative models can be used to investigate economic, policy and regulatory problems. On the final day, participants will have the possibility to present and discuss their own research under the supervision of the course faculty.

The aim of the training is:

• To give an understanding of the European Green Deal and why the heating sector plays an important role in the achievement of the long-term European energy and climate goals.
• To explain different approaches in energy modelling and how to apply or elaborate accurate models for a useful analysis of energy-related issues.
• To illustrate recent quantitative research and tools to model the heating sector.
• To examine the interactions between different energy sectors and better understand the related challenges for policymakers, regulators and businesses.
• To provide in-depth exchanges and peer-to-peer feedback on the participants’ related research work.

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the general features of heating demand and supply in Europe.
• Assess the potential of alternative energy sources and technological solutions to satisfy heating demand.
• Develop a comprehensive view of the interactions between the different energy consuming and energy supplying sectors, and of the challenges they raise for policymakers and regulators.
• Be aware of the European policy debate on how to decarbonise the heating sector.
• Have an overview of modelling tools to analyse the heating sector.
• Quantitatively model some aspects of coupled energy sectors to investigate specific economic, technical and regulatory problems.
• Exchange knowledge and experiences with fellow participants and closely interact with experts in the field.
• Gather feedback on their own related research work.

The course is structured along four days. During the first three days, professors and experts will provide interactive lectures. Each lecture will present a general overview of the topic in a way that participants with different backgrounds can reach a similar understanding. After this overview, the lecturers will deepen specific issues that they may consider of relevance. Adequate time for discussion and questions from the participants will be provided.

On the last day of the course, participants will have the possibility to present their current research and receive feedback from their peers. Each researcher presenting his or her work will also have to discuss the research conducted by one of his or her peers. Instructors will be involved in providing comments and suggestions. Please do note that only a selected number of participants will be able to present their work due to time constraints.

During the Summer School, instructors will mix a theoretical and a practical approach, alternating between lectures about principles and case studies. The course is designed to encourage the active participation of students and close interaction with the experts.

For the hands-on modelling session, participants will be required to download QGIS before the beginning of the course (QGIS Standalone Version 3.22 or newer Long-Term Releases – LTR).

The training is designed for PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, young academics and researchers that deal with energy systems topics. A minimum understanding of quantitative methods and energy systems modelling is required. A background in engineering or energy economics is recommended.

Please do note that only a selected number of participants will be admitted. Participants are required to enclose to their registration form a short CV (max. 2 pages), a motivation letter (max 2,500 characters) and an outline of their research work (max 3,500 characters) they are willing to present.

Applicants are required to provide the outline of their research following the template they can download here.

The outline of the applicants’ research work is mandatory, as to guarantee a certain level of advancement and to enable participants to be efficiently matched for peer-reviewing and further interaction.

Please do note that there will be a selection of the papers that will be presented on day 4 due to time limits.

Participants will receive a response regarding their admission two weeks after the registration deadline.

Each year, the Florence School of Regulation – Energy and Climate (FSR Energy & Climate) awards scholarships for a wide variety of training courses targeting a broad audience of professionals and academics.

Applications will be assessed by a Selection Committee of FSR members on a yearly basis. The successful candidates will be informed by the end of February 2023 and will be provided with all relevant information on how to enroll in the online course or residential training of their choice.

Send your application by 31 January 2023.

Find more information here

Student Fee: 500 EUR