Energy in 2030
Description
All energy sources that help avert a looming energy crisis are proving socially controversial. It is not only nuclear energy, coal-fired power plants or shale gas extraction that are sensitive. Underground CO2 storage, biofuels and countless onshore wind energy projects also meet stiff resistance from citizens, local authorities or environmental organisations. The result is social uncertainty about the energy issue, political indecision and uncertainty for companies and local authorities.
To have clean, reliable and affordable energy beyond 2030, the Netherlands must make painful choices now. But citizens do not sufficiently realise the urgency of the energy issue. Collective knowledge can increase understanding of-and support for-unpopular policy measures.
However, the current energy debate is defined by seven widely held energy myths, which cloud the view of urgency and solution directions: "Technology will solve the energy issue."... "Fossil energy is on its way out.".... "Renewable energy is infinitely available."...".... "Higher energy efficiency leads to less energy consumption."... "The government only sets preconditions for a free market."... "We are on our way to CO2 neutral."...And: "Dutch sustainability is sustainability."
The Rathenau Institute calls on government, market and environmental organisations to break the energy myths. It must become clear that painful interventions will be inevitable. And that it is wise to start taking measures now
Walk-in from 19.30 hrs.
Speaker(s)
Jurgen Ganzevles (1976) studied electrical engineering at the University of Twente. He graduated in 2001. His first job was at a project development agency for environmentally friendly energy. There he saw with his own eyes how technological innovations often hit social boundaries. He decided to give more space to his interest in 'the social side' of technology. In 2002, he embarked on a PhD project: a partnership between the Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN) and UT. In his PhD thesis 'Technology for People and the Environment' (2007), he analyses how engineers anticipate the later use of energy technology in society in test setups. Since 2007, Jurgen has worked at the Rathenau Institute. His work has included CO2 storage, local energy transitions and a citizens' forum on climate change.
The study 'Energy in 2030. Societal choices today', with contributions from ECN, Ecofys and the Clingendael International Energy Programme (CIEP), among others, has been published as a book by Æneas Publishers. The PDF version can be downloaded from the Rathenau Institute's website
Location
KIVI NIRIA building, Prinsessegracht 23
2514 AP The Hague
Organiser
Technology, Society & Economy
Name and contact details for information
Further information via the e-mail address below.