Koen van Greevenbroek
Job description
I am in a 4-year research position (2020-2024) leading to a PhD in computer science. My research is on energy systems modelling (see the research & education tab) with a focus on mathematical optimisation. The position also includes 25% teaching duties.
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Research interests
Keywords: energy systems modelling, energy infrastructure planning, the green transition, renewable energy systems, European integration, mathematical modelling and optimisation, design space and near-optimal solutions, effect of climate and weather on renewable energy systems.
My research is about mapping out what our energy system could look like by 2050, at which time we aim to have reduced greenhouse gas emissions to net zero. What kinds of plans are technologically feasible and not too expensive? To answer these questions I use large mathematical optimisation models to gain the best possible overview of the solution space.
It turns out that the solution space is quite large. While traditional energy research has focussed much on cost-optimal solutions, the search for near-optimal solutions shows that we have many choices and possibilities. Some technologies such as on- and off-shore wind power can easily be exchanged to some extent, and there are many sources of flexibility (transmission, storage, reserve capacity) enabling a high penetration of variable renewables.
A particular area I work in is how to take climate change and variations in weather into account when planning renewables-based energy systems, and how to develop maximum robustness to extreme weather. (See doi.org/jcgm)
Another project touches on regional interests, and how energy infrastructure decisions in our region can affect the rest of the system. For example, how could (low of) investments in renewable technologies in continental Europe affect the Nordic agenda and choices?
I care about open research (open data, open code and open results); it contributes to better collaboration and more trustworthy conclusions. See also my Github profile (github.com/koen-vg)
Teaching
- Spring 2021: tutor for INF-1101 - Data Structures and Algorithms.
- Autumn 2021: tutor for INF-3210 - Green Computing.
- Spring 2022: tutor for INF-1101 - Data Structures and Algorithms.
- Spring 2023: development of course material and lectures in INF-1101 - Data Structures and Algorithms.
CV
- 2020 - 2024: PhD in energy informatics, UiT The Arctic University of Norway
- 2018 - 2020: Master's in mathematics, Universität Bonn, Germany
- 2014 - 2017: Bachelor's in mathematics, Simon Fraser University, Canada