Decarbonization Investment under Uncertainty
The 4th edition of our PhD summer school series focuses on decarbonisation investments under uncertainty. This topic is crucial in today’s global context, where investment decisions are significantly impacted by policy volatility, technological advancements, and market dynamics.
Understanding how uncertainty affects low-carbon technology investments is essential for designing effective climate policies and accelerating the energy transition. Research shows that policy uncertainty can delay green investments, potentially hindering progress towards climate goals.
This summer school is part of a series of summer schools organized jointly by the following institutions:
Program elements
Expert Lectures
Engage with prominent academics through lectures on foundational theories and practical insights related to energy transition. These sessions will cover topics such as uncertainty in energy transition models, investment under uncertainty in future energy systems, and the role of directed innovation in climate change mitigation.
Interactive Group Projects
Participate in group projects analyzing policy instruments across different countries and sectors. You’ll have the opportunity to examine various aspects such as governance, optimization background, and instrument interactions. This hands-on approach will help you understand the complexities of policy design and implementation in real-world scenarios.
Research Pitches
Present your research ideas to senior researchers in small groups, receiving valuable feedback and guidance. This unique opportunity allows you to refine your research proposals and gain insights from experienced academics in the field.
Policy Panel
Connect academic discussions with real-world applications through engaging policy panels featuring industry experts and policymakers. This session will provide a “big picture” perspective on how theoretical concepts translate into practical policy decisions.
Networking Opportunities
Build connections with fellow students and top academics in the field of energy and climate economics. The summer school aims to foster a network of researchers interested in the theoretical analysis of energy and climate policies.
Speakers
Matti Liski, Aalto University
Professor Liski’s research centers on uncertainty in the energy transition, model basics, theoretical foundations, Markov equilibria, and energy transition dynamics.
Verena Hagspiel-Janssen, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Professor Hagspiel-Janssen’s work focuses on investment under uncertainty in future energy systems and the impact of policy uncertainty on European renewable energy investments. She develops and applies financial and operational methods to analyze investment decisions under uncertainty and provide decision support and policy insight for the energy sector.
Sjak Smulders, Tilburg University
Professor Smulders’ research focuses on the impact of environmental and energy policies on economic growth, as well as the sources of economic growth in various contexts. His work explores how technological change can reduce the cost of environmental policies, particularly in climate change and energy conservation.
Karsten Neuhoff, DIW Berlin and Technical University Berlin
Professor Neuhoff’s research focuses on the economics and financing of low-carbon transformation in the power, industry, and building sectors. He investigates how policies and markets can be designed to achieve carbon neutrality.
Estelle Cantillon, Université Libre de Bruxelles
Professor Cantillon’s research focuses on market design applications to energy and the environment, particularly emissions markets and wholesale electricity markets, as well as climate transition policies.
LOGISTICS
- Dates: September 15-19, 2025
- Location: DIW Berlin
- Target audience: Early-stage Economics PhD students, particularly those in their second year
- Participation fee: €200 per person (covers food expenses during the school)
- Daily schedule: Sessions run from 9 AM to approximately 5 PM, additional programme on some evenings
- Arrival: Participants should plan to arrive on Sunday evening, September 14, 2025
- Departure: Participants can leave after the last lecture on Friday, September 19, 2025 (approximately 3 PM)
Please note:
- Accommodation and travel are not included in the fee and must be arranged by participants independently
- Coffee breaks and meals will be arranged in the Mensa for students
- A research portfolio/interests booklet (PDF) with all participants will be distributed before the school starts
- The school begins promptly at 9 AM on Monday, September 15, so early arrival is recommended
- The program includes daily lectures, interactive sessions, and group projects
- Every participant will have the opportunity to pitch their research idea to a selected senior researcher, depending on signaled research interests
Applications close on April 1, 2025.
Successful applicants will be notified by email after April 15.
For any further questions, do not hesitate to reach out!