Rethinking Capacity Development in Energy Modeling: Integrating Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Transboundary Contexts

Background

This proposed MSc thesis project is part of the RE-INTEGRATE Project, funded by the European Union, which focuses on Integrated Energy Assessment Modeling. A key aspect of this larger project is assessing capacity development programs targeting energy modeling, particularly those led by the EU and implemented through the African Union. A core aspiration of the RE-INTEGRATE project is to integrate local and indigenous knowledge from African Union partner countries into energy-economy-environment models. This integration is crucial for ensuring that these models, which assess climate-compatible energy strategies, can generate actionable evidence for decision-making within the AU-EU partnership on Climate Change and Sustainable Energy, while also contributing to the broader dialogue on decolonizing education and capacity development in a transboundary context.

Decolonial critiques of knowledge production emphasize the importance of creating capacity development programs that are responsive to local contexts. These critiques highlight the need to move beyond one-size-fits-all models of training and knowledge production and transfer, especially in areas like energy planning, where local knowledge systems and priorities can significantly impact the success and sustainability of long-term transitions. In the context of energy modeling, ensuring that tools and training programs are adapted to the socio-cultural and epistemological realities of local communities is critical for their effective uptake.

This proposed MSc thesis project seeks to address these challenges above by exploring ways to integrate decolonial approaches into capacity-building efforts for energy modeling, particularly in collaboration with African partners. By focusing on the intersection of indigenous knowledge systems and energy planning, the project aims to develop strategies that can enhance the cultural relevance and practical utility of modeling tools, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable energy transition.

Moreover, the Division of Energy Systems at KTH has long been engaged in various capacity-building initiatives, including the Energy Modeling Platform for Africa and the Energy Modelling Platform - Joint Global Training School. This proposed MSc thesis project has the potential to inform and potentially reshape these programs, creating opportunities to drive meaningful and impactful change in the field of energy modeling.

Task description

The student is encouraged to take an interdisciplinary approach to their research while having the flexibility to tailor the study toward their specific interests. Potential tasks may include, but are not limited to:

• Review existing literature on decolonizing capacity development in energy modeling, focusing on identifying the essential components that contribute to the success of such programs.

• Assess current capacity development programs in energy modeling, particularly initiatives in the different contexts of the African Union (AU), with attention to integrating local and indigenous knowledge systems and the influence of different knowledge systems on energy choices.

• Investigate the documented relationship between decolonization and energy modeling, exploring epistemological considerations such as the role of diverse knowledge systems in learning, data dependencies, and priority-setting in energy decisions.

• Propose recommendations for advancing capacity development initiatives that not only focus on technical skills like data analysis and modeling but also foster critical thinking, enabling participants to engage critically with diverse energy challenges.

Learning outcomes

The student will gain experience in a multidisciplinary context, connecting capacity development, energy modeling, and transboundary collaboration theoretical frameworks and practitioners perspectives. They will also learn how to synthesize tools and frameworks for science-diplomacy work that have practical applications beyond the academic sphere.

Upon completion of the thesis work, the student will be able to:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of existing capacity-building programs in energy modeling, particularly in transboundary contexts, through the lens of decolonization and epistemological diversity.

• Analyze the impact of incorporating diverse knowledge systems on decision-making processes in energy modeling, especially concerning data dependencies and alternative energy future visions.

• Critically assess the role of decolonization in shaping capacity development programs, emphasizing the development of both technical and critical thinking skills.

• Propose strategies for embedding decolonization principles into future capacity-building programs and educational tools, contributing to more inclusive and effective transboundary energy modeling initiatives.

Criteria for evaluation

Throughout the entire thesis project work and method development, key metrics for the final assessment include:

• Fulfillment of the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) for the Master Thesis at KTH’s ITM School.

• Demonstration of the student's initiative and customization of research questions.

• A critical perspective, system-thinking, and discussion of relevant aspects.

• Consideration and appropriate utilization of existing literature.

• Capacity to synthesize and communicate the research in a well-written, concise, and proficiently articulated thesis report

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with long-term energy planning and policy, and energy modeling tools

• Basic understanding of capacity development and strengthening activities and frameworks in transboundary contexts.

• Interests in decolonizing methodologies and their application in capacity-building programs and decolonial critiques of knowledge production.

• Basic understanding of indigenous knowledge systems into existing frameworks for energy assessment and sustainability practices.

• Basic knowledge of qualitative methodologies and methods.

Track Specialization

Transformation of Energy System (TES)

Division/Department

Division of Energy Systems – Department of Energy Technology

Research areas

• Integrated Climate, Land, Energy and Water Systems

• Science-Policy-Society Interactions

Duration

6 months

The thesis is to start at the beginning of period 3, at the end of January or early February 2025.

How to apply

Send an email to marynah@kth.se expressing your interest in the topic and your CV to the supervisors. Candidates should highlight any relevant experience in renewable energy technologies, sustainability, or business model analysis.

Supervisor

Examiner