We supported Utrecht University in developing a vision on their energy transition to achieve their ambitious climate and energy targets for 2030 and 2040. Common Futures supported the energy team of the university in exploring future energy solutions and analysed how these could be integrated in scenarios to achieve a climate-neutral Utrecht Science Park while maintaining security of supply.
We analysed available data and studies and organised workshops at the university to make use of expertise and insights of its energy team, and jointly create and discuss future energy scenarios. This funnelled into a single vision. To support this process we developed an interactive excel tool which allowed selecting energy technologies and comparing future energy scenarios on their estimated emissions, costs and security of supply.
The university foresees a significant change in supply and demand of heat and cooling as well as electricity between today and 2040. A central role is foreseen for thermal energy storage with heat pumps to provide heating and cooling, while electricity will be partly generated on-site with solar-PV and partly sourced through a larger grid connection. The university wishes to phase out natural gas.
With their structured approach, clear communication, and expertise, Common Futures successfully facilitated the process that led to a coherent vision on the future energy system of the university on Utrecht Science Park.
Rob Mathlener
Manager of the Utrecht University energy team
