École Polytechnique de Louvain (EPL) – iMMC – TFL

Challenges

The global drive to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activity requires adaptive energy transition strategies. This thesis investigates possible transition pathways, taking into account uncertainties and focusing on the Belgian and European energy systems. The research aims to understand how different degrees of anticipation and uncertainties relating to technologies, resources and policies influence the outcomes of the transition and the achievement of climate-related objectives.

UCLouvain’s contribution

UCLouvain’s mission was to explore, for Belgium and Europe, the most relevant pathways for the production and consumption of electrofuels, synthetic fuels and biomass in order to address climate change challenges, while ensuring grid stability and security of supply in 2040 and beyond. Given the climate emergency and the need to take action to mitigate its effects, reviewing possible transition pathways for Belgium and Europe while taking into account the inherent uncertainties of the future was deemed essential.

On a more personal level, Xavier Rixhon was keen to understand the issue of the environmental crisis from the perspective of the energy system as a whole. He investigated different methodological approaches for exploring transition pathways. This has enabled him to better understand issues and challenges that are specific to the energy transition to support more interdisciplinary research aimed at resolving issues relating to the climate crisis... and all other issues, whether social, environmental, economic or political.