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User-Centred Energy Systems (UsersTCP)

The UsersTCP provides evidence from socio-technical research on the design, social acceptance and usability of clean energy technologies. Users play a central role within energy systems. The findings will support political decisions for a clean, efficient and safe energy system.

Short Description

The UsersTCP (User-Centred Energy Systems Technology Collaboration Programme) is an international research and cooperation programme run by the International Energy Agency (IEA) that has been investigating socio-technical aspects of the energy transition since 2019 (previously known as the IEA DSM TCP). The aim is to provide politically relevant evidence on how people use energy, accept technologies and participate in the transformation. At its core is the recognition that the energy transition must be shaped not only technically, but also socially. To this end, UsersTCP brings together international expertise in various areas of work, such as hard-to-reach user groups, social justice and gender issues, acceptance of automation, peer-to-peer energy trading and user-oriented buildings. Members include Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Korea, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States (Australia has since withdrawn). With this broad base and a strategy running until 2030, the programme promotes exchange between science, politics and practice in order to develop user-centred solutions, strengthen social acceptance and create fair framework conditions for clean energy systems worldwide.

The activities in the current strategy period of the Users TCP can be divided into four main areas:

  • Fairness and affordability: Analysis of how the energy transition affects different population groups, with a focus on hard-to-reach users, disadvantaged households and gender equality issues in energy policy.
  • Public acceptance: Investigation of the factors that shape understanding and acceptance of energy policy and infrastructure, including guidelines for information campaigns and participation processes.
  • Promotion of climate-friendly technologies (both acceptance of use and technology introduction): Research into how people accept, trust and make optimal use of new, low-carbon technologies (e.g. automation, local energy markets, climate-fit buildings, flexible appliances and heat pumps).
  • Education and training: Development of knowledge platforms and tools to strengthen skills for a climate-friendly energy future – from behavioural knowledge in policy-making to support for companies in net-zero strategies.

The pillars are shown in the following graphic, with the rows representing the methods that are mostly used. The circles represent ongoing (orange) and future (green) tasks. More detailed information can be found on the TCPs user homepage.

Equity & affordability, Public acceptance, Technology adoption, Technology use, Education & Training
(Quelle: https://userstcp.org/about-us/)

Ongoing Tasks/Annexes

Completed Tasks

Participants

Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, Ireland, Italy, South Korea, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Contact Address

Exco representative
Tara Esterl
AIT Austrian Institute of Technology
Giefinggasse 6, 1210 Wien
E-Mail: tara.esterl@ait.ac.at

Exco alternate
Mag. Sabine Mitter
Austrian Federal Ministry of Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure
Tel.: +43 (1) 711 62 - 652915
E-Mail: sabine.mitter@bmimi.gv.at

LinkedIn-Channel of the UsersTCP