In the evolving landscape of energy and mobility, a novel approach to integrating electric vehicles (EVs) into the energy system is gaining traction, thanks to the work of researchers like Jeremias Hawran from the Research Center for Energy Economics. Hawran and his team have been exploring the concept of participatory living labs, a method that actively involves end-users in the development and testing of new technologies. Their findings, published in the Proceedings of the Future Power Grids Conference, offer valuable insights for the energy sector, particularly in the realm of electromobility.
Living labs are real-world test environments where new ideas and technologies are developed and tested in collaboration with end-users. Hawran’s work focuses on participatory living labs, which emphasize active user involvement. “The key difference lies in the level of engagement,” Hawran explains. “In participatory living labs, users are not just test subjects; they are active participants in the innovation process.”
The unIT-e² project, which Hawran’s team is part of, aims to integrate electromobility into the energy system efficiently. To achieve this, they conducted two field trials involving private and corporate users of EVs and charging infrastructure. The team developed a participation pyramid model to structure different levels and methods of participation, ranging from passive involvement to active co-creation.
The practical experiences from applying this model in the unIT-e² project have yielded valuable lessons. Hawran emphasizes the importance of early onboarding and continuous information provision. “We found that keeping participants informed and engaged from the start is crucial,” he says. “It’s not just about gathering data; it’s about building a community around the project.”
The team also recommends balancing online and offline events to cater to different preferences and ensuring that participant feedback is gathered and listened to. “Professional, proactive, and regular interaction with the participants is crucial for the success of living labs,” Hawran notes.
The implications of this research for the energy sector are significant. As the world transitions towards electromobility, understanding how to effectively integrate EVs into the energy system is paramount. Participatory living labs offer a promising approach to this challenge, enabling energy companies to gain valuable insights from end-users and co-create solutions that meet their needs.
Moreover, the participation pyramid model developed by Hawran’s team provides a practical tool for structuring and managing user involvement in living labs. This model can be applied to various contexts within the energy sector, from smart grids to renewable energy integration.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights gained from participatory living labs will be invaluable. Hawran’s work highlights the importance of active user involvement in the innovation process and offers practical recommendations for energy companies looking to harness the power of living labs. With the energy transition in full swing, the lessons learned from these living labs could shape the future of electromobility and the broader energy landscape.
The research was published in the Proceedings of the Future Power Grids Conference, underscoring its relevance to the ongoing discussions about the future of energy networks. As the sector continues to grapple with the challenges of integrating new technologies and meeting the demands of a changing energy landscape, the insights from Hawran’s work will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the path forward.