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Methodological Challenges in Combining Quantitative and Qualitative Foresight Methods for Sustainable Energy Futures: The SEPIA Project

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Recent Developments in Foresight Methodologies

Part of the book series: Complex Networks and Dynamic Systems ((CNDS,volume 1))

Abstract

This chapter presents a reflection on the challenges of combining participatory fuzzy-set multi-criteria analysis (MCA) with narrative scenario building and energy modelling, in the context of the SEPIA project. SEPIA aims to investigate participatory decision support systems for sustainable energy policymaking. More precisely, SEPIA elaborates on aspects of sustainability assessment (SA) in the energy policy context in order to reach consensus among the stakeholders involved. SEPIA provides the basis for an SA procedure adapted to the context of Belgian energy governance.

The authors wish to dedicate this chapter to the memory of our friend and colleague Da Ruan. We will remember Da as a motivated scientist with an indefatigable but also very congenial personality.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The SEPIA project is being carried out by five partners: the University of Antwerp (UA, acting as the coordinator), the Free University of Brussels (VUB), the University of Liège (ULg), the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) and the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN). It is funded by the Belgian Office of Science Policy. Further details on this project can be found at the project’s website www.ua.ac.be/sepia.

  2. 2.

    The final version of the SEPIA TOR can be downloaded from the project website (www.ua.ac.be/sepia).

  3. 3.

    For more information, see http://www.mesydel.com/mesydel.php.

  4. 4.

    The final version can be downloaded from the project website (www.ua.ac.be/sepia).

  5. 5.

    More information on the ‘SuperSmart Grid’ concept can be downloaded from www.supersmartgrid.net.

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Correspondence to Erik Laes .

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Laes, E., Ruan, D., Maes, F., Verbruggen, A. (2013). Methodological Challenges in Combining Quantitative and Qualitative Foresight Methods for Sustainable Energy Futures: The SEPIA Project. In: Giaoutzi, M., Sapio, B. (eds) Recent Developments in Foresight Methodologies. Complex Networks and Dynamic Systems, vol 1. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-5215-7_16

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