Systems approaches in a just energy transition and for equitable access

Event overview

Systems approaches in a just energy transition for equitable access was held in Medellín, Colombia from 22-24 April 2024. In partnership with the Engineering X Safer Complex Systems mission and Universidad De Antioquia, the symposium explored challenges in transitioning to an energy system that is fair, safe and accessible. By taking a view across the entire system, the event identified innovative proposals and practices that ensure access to reliable and clean energy in low- and middle-income countries, and considered how engineering clean energy intersects with a variety of disciplines, sectors and actors, including the role of governance.

The event unpicked the complexity by exploring the system through three lenses:

1. Locally appropriate solutions and south-south collaboration for just energy transitions
2. Governance, justice, and access
3. Circularity and the end of life of technology

System-wide considerations, like safety, inclusion and stakeholder engagement formed cross-cutting themes.

Symposium Format 

• Event dates: Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 April 2024, in Medellín, Colombia
• Participants arrive: evening of 21 April, with a welcome dinner and networking
• Event structure: at the core of the event there will be three cross-cutting, challenge-led sessions that bridge different disciplines. The event will also include valuable training and workshopping on systems approaches and tools, to make sure the resulting solutions are developed in an inclusive and holistic way.
• Participants will be: from all disciplines (i.e. not just for engineers!) and sectors, and from all around the world.
• Event cost: There is no cost to participants for attending the event! We welcome a diverse group of participants and offer to cover your travel, accommodation and subsistence costs during the event. We can also cover the costs of most access needs and/or to replace any usual caring responsibilities you may have. If this will help you participate in the event, please contact the team to discuss your circumstances in confidence. Please note: we do not cover usual salary costs.

Event chairs

Professor Yasmin Merali - University of Hull

Yasmin Merali is Emeritus Professor of Systems Thinking at the University of Hull. Prior to this she was Co-Director of the ESRC Doctoral Training Centre on Complex Systems Science at Warwick University, and Director of the Information Systems Research Unit at Warwick Business School. Her research transcends traditional boundaries between the natural and human sciences, drawing on Complex Systems Science to study the resilience of socio-economic systems in the networked world.

Professor Merali is an Expert Evaluator for the EU, and her international engagements include membership of the Executive Committees of the European Complex Systems Society, UNESCO UniTwin for Complex Systems Science and the UNESCO Complex Systems Digital Campus. She has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and produced numerous reports for government and industry.

 

Professor Franklin Jaramillo - Universidad de Antioquia

Full Professor at the School of Engineering, Universidad de Antioquia. Holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from Universidad de Antioquia and a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Manchester. Previously served as the scientific director of the "Alliance for the Energy Sustainability of the Colombian Industrial and Transportation Sectors through the Utilisation of Regional Renewable Resources. Energy Sustainability for Colombia" – Séneca, from 2018 to 2023.

Currently appointed as the scientific director of the "Program for the Development and Establishment of an Intelligent Network Enabling the Management, Utilisation, and Storage of Unconventional Renewable Energies and Green Hydrogen in Residential and Industrial Sectors – Perseo" from 2024 to 2027. Possessing extensive research experience, with over 100 publications in national and international journals, 11 book chapters, 2 granted patents and 2 patent applications. Has delivered more than 70 presentations at national and international events.

Post-event funding

Seed funding of up to £20,000 over one year was awarded to successful collaboration bids from the symposia, designed to strengthen collaborations developed at the symposia.