Our Mission

To train 15 PhD researchers to design transformational pathways that tackle Energy Poverty and Justice, providing evidence and using the decentralised nature of ‘Positive Energy Districts’ and ‘Networks of Districts’ as the central platform of transformation whilst recognising the economic, social and environmental challenges faced. Tackling the issue of energy injustice and poverty is an essential pillar for contributing to the decarbonisation of our economies without leaving large parts of the population behind.

What we Do

Smart-BEEjS €4m Innovative Training Network, utilises the work of 15 PhD researchers across the continent, exploring Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) from different perspectives and in different localities. It complements the EU’s Strategic Energy Technology Plan which aims to establish “100 positive energy districts by 2025 (baseline 2015) and 80% of electricity consumption to be managed by consumers in 4 out of 5 households”. Through a systems thinking approach, Smart-BEEjS researchers develop strategies, methodologies, policies and practical tools that can be recommended in order cities, businesses or communities to identify their pathway of transition towards a PED.

Smart-BEEjS Early Stage Researchers (ESRs)

Minh Thu Nguyen

Research: Citizens’ perceptions for PEDs: An integration framework of citizens’ socio-psychological factors with stakeholders’ economic and political priorities.

ESR1

Luca Lamonaca

Research: Inclusive PEDs: Case Study Lessons for energy justice and eliminating energy poverty.


ESR2

Yoo Han Kyul

Research: PED Planning: interdependences between agents (stakeholders) and their physical and psychological drivers and barriers.

ESR3

Ardak Akhatova

Research: Looking Inside the District: Agent Based Simulation of pathways towards affordable and inclusive PEDs.

ESR4

Axel Bruck

Research: Techno-economic analysis of Grid-Connected MicroGrids of PEDs.

ESR5

Luca Casamassima


Research: Transforming district heating infrastructure towards future proof systems in line with PED characteristics.

ESR6


Botakoz Arslangulova

Research: Integrating PEDs with the future of urban mobility: Renewable energy generation strategy by PED networks for an ultra-low carbon transport system demand for 2030.

ESR7

Nicolas Caballero


Research: Testing Behaviourally Informed interventions to tackle Energy Poverty in Social Housing Districts.

ESR8

Clemens Marggraf


Research: Monetary and non-monetary measures for reducing dependency on fossil-fuel related mobility needs.

ESR9

Adam Hearn

Research: Zero or super conservation (negative) ‘rebound effect’ in PEDs: Policies and incentives that form citizens’ attitudes and trends of consumption behaviour.

ESR10

Luigi Bottechia

Research: Prioritisation of interventions and measures in districts: a spatial decision support model to support policy makers.

ESR11


Maria Lujan Lopez Dallara


Research: Business Model Archetypes for Value Generation by PEDs.

ESR12

Dasha Mihailova


Research: Users as change agents: User driven business model innovation.

ESR13

Helen Heinz


Research: Bankability of Grid-Connected High RES penetration MicroGrids.

ESR14


Erkinai Derkenbaeva


Research: Backcasting PEDs: an ABM approach .

ESR15

Smart-BEEjS Beneficiaries

Nottingham Trent University

We are internationally known as one of UK’s top business focused schools providing education and research in business, management and economics that combines academic excellence with impact on business and society.

Technische Universität Wien

TU Wien is one of the major universities in Vienna. The university has received extensive international and domestic recognition in teaching as well as in research, and it is a highly esteemed partner of innovation-oriented enterprises.

Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias (ITC)

The Technological Institute of the Canary Islands or ITC is a public company created by the Government of the Canary Islands to carry out activities related to Research, Development and Innovation, service of Canary companies.

RWI-Leibniz Institute for Economic Research

RWI-Leibniz Institute for Economic Research (formerly Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung) is a leading centre for economic research and evidence-based policy advice in Germany.

Instituto Universitário de Lisboa

ISCTE – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL) is a public university established in 1972. Pursuing teaching, research and community service activities.

Universität Basel

The University of Basel has an international reputation of outstanding achievements in research and teaching.

Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University & Research is a research institution that focuses on the domain ‘healthy food and living conditions’. We do not just develop top-quality expertise; we also help translate our knowledge into practice worldwide.

Eurac Research

Eurac Research is a private research centre. The Institute for Renewable Energy conducts applied research on advanced energy systems, mostly based on sustainable energy sources.

Partner Organisations