The energy transition is one of the great challenges that societies are facing nowadays. In line with the strategy and vision of the Institute of Engineering, the master E4S contributes to strengthening livable and sustainable societies, including energy transition, circularity and sustainability with and for all societal stakeholders. Recent events in the world have shown that the energy transition is a dynamic transition process that impacts every country, every region and every person. The master E4S educates professionals who help communities at local and regional level (villages, neighbourhoods and organisations) to make the transition from fossil energy to more sustainable sources of energy, with possible impact on (inter)national level.
The master programme focuses on the societal aspects of the energy transition from a transdisciplinary perspective. Graduates are able to understand policies on local, national and international level, as well as micro, meso- and macro level dynamics. The master programme educates energy transition professionals who can accelerate change from different perspectives by connecting people and innovative ideas. They do this in the broad context of societal, political and economic realities, technological possibilities, legal frameworks, governance and environmental factors, using a research based systems approach. Analyzing which stakeholders are involved, bringing them together, bridging gaps and breaking down barriers is an important role for future energy transition professionals. Students learn to analyze the context of systems and design interventions to accelerate the energy transition within this context. Navigating the growing complexity of conflicting interests within the system and translating these into effective and accepted interventions requires a reflective approach and interaction with the (social) environment.