The Assignment
The energy transition is shifting from centralized to decentralized generation, with solar and wind energy as key sources. This creates challenges on the electricity grid, such as grid congestion. Energy hubs – local collaborations between energy producers and consumers – offer a promising solution here. An Energy Service Provider (ESP) can play a key role in this by organizing and managing the development, financing, and operation of such a hub.
In this assignment, you will build upon previous research by students within the Kempen Energy Hub project. You will begin with a literature review of energy hubs, ESPs, and relevant developments in the energy transition. Subsequently, you will analyze the results of the previous research and use them as a basis for further in-depth study.
Next, you will elaborate on a number of core questions:
What tasks and responsibilities does an ESP have within an energy hub (such as asset management, installation and maintenance of infrastructure, energy management, contracts, and customer service)?
Which sustainable and realistic revenue model suits an ESP (for example, subscriptions, energy sales, additional services, and subsidies)? What does a concrete business case for an ESP in Bergeijk look like (including investment estimate, cost estimate, revenue forecast, and profitability analysis)?
Which technological, market, regulatory, financial, and operational risks play a role, and how can you mitigate them?
You will therefore conduct literature research, design a revenue model, prepare a detailed business case, and create a risk analysis including possible mitigation strategies. This assignment is well-suited to a technical or technological education with an interest in energy transition and business cases.
You will be supervised by Mertijn Weeda, researcher at MNEXT, and Pieter Baelde Jansen, junior researcher at MNEXT. There are weekly progress meetings, and you are expected to attend meetings with project partners so that you remain closely involved in the practical aspects of the Kempen Energy Hub.
Would you like to apply? Please send a cover letter and your CV to: Pieter Baelde Jansen – pr.baeldejansen@avans.nl.
About MNEXT
MNEXT is the Centre of Expertise for the materials and energy transition. Together with companies, governments, researchers, and students, MNEXT bridges the gap between innovation and society and works on practice-oriented research for a sustainable future. Projects fall within three main themes: transition and value creation, sustainable energy technologies, and bio-based and circular materials.
As an intern or graduating student, you will participate fully in a multidisciplinary research team and work on real-world issues. Between 40 and 50 students intern at MNEXT every semester. You will therefore work closely with other students, build a large network, and immediately have a great group of peers around you.
All students automatically participate in an internship program featuring more than 10 workshops, in which you strengthen both your research skills and your career competencies. Think of topics such as the use of AI in desk research, research integrity, professional use of LinkedIn, and coaching to take a start-up idea further. For your efforts, you will receive an internship allowance of €350 per month.