Towards a just energy transition: incorporating energy poverty criteria into energy planning models

Sustainable Development Goal number 7 promoted by the United Nations poses the challenge of ensuring access to affordable, secure and sustainable energy for all by 2030.

Getting there is no easy task. There are many dimensions and many different realities involved that generate uncertainty. Designing a roadmap in that direction is the endeavor of many governments and international agencies.

From the IIT we are collaborating very actively in this, mainly in two of the aspects sought, i.e. that the system is safe and that it is sustainable. But we are not forgetting the aspect of affordability for all. The work of the universal energy access team and the Chair in Energy and Poverty are proof of this.

The present proposal is part of the work of the latter. We are looking for a person to develop a doctoral thesis that will contribute to the incorporation of energy poverty criteria in long-term energy planning models (MARKAL/TIMES, PRIMES, etc.). These models, which are widely used by the agencies in charge of designing the aforementioned transition, are an indispensable tool for the success of this process. The objective of the thesis is therefore to identify and implement improvements in these models for the consideration of vulnerability in the residential sector.

We offer:

Full-time annual contract for the completion of the PhD and its corresponding training activities. The selected person will be hired every year for a maximum period of 3 years. The gross salary for the first year is 24.410,00 € for the year 2021. In addition, the IIT covers 90% of the fees for the training activities and will have access to all the services offered by the University (Sports, Cultural Activities, Library, etc.).

Requirements:

The candidate must have a master's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics or economics, with knowledge of programming and statistics being particularly relevant. Knowledge of the energy sector, as well as programming with GAMS, Matlab, R, Visual Basic and/or Phyton will be an asset. Writing and speaking fluency in Spanish and English are also required, as well as a good academic record and ability to work in a team. Experience and motivation at a professional and personal level to get involved in the fight against poverty or other social problems will be an asset as well.

Documents:

Curriculum vitae, academic record, cover letter and two letters of recommendation.

Call open until October 30th, 2021.