We had a talk with Ms Johanna Hoffken from the Technical University of Eindhoven, responsible for analysing the social impact of MUSE GRIDS.

Since the project kick-off, what have been the updates in Osimo/Oud-Heverlee?

Our first research efforts are directed towards the development of social key performance indicators. This is important to measure how impactful the MUSE GRIDS project and her diverse interventions are in real life. TU Eindhoven will concentrate on the social impact of MUSE GRIDS efforts.

In order to develop a meaningful set of indicators we not only consulted academic literature but we also engaged in many conversations with different partners. In addition, we attended a variety of meetings, for example at the demosites, and we also met the consortium partners during several general meetings. It is important that we make our theory-based research relevant and useful for the MUSE GRIDS project. Context -sensitivity is important when trying to understand social impacts of technological interventions.

What do you think are the most important results since the beginning of the project?

For the project as a whole, the most important result so far is the forming of a great consortium, in which all the partners work closely together, understand and support each other. This is a crucial condition for effective projects. From our side we are happy about the development of a set of social indicators, which we have discussed with the different partners and are about to empirically validate at the demosites.

What should we expect in the upcoming months?

From TU Eindhoven you can expect the first baseline assessment of the social KPIs. The social performance indicators will be complemented by the work of other colleagues in the project who will concentrate on economic and environmental  indicators. These indicators will deliver important insights as the MUSE GRIDS project aims to understand and foster the creation of energy communities in Europe.

Why do you like Osimo and Oud-Heverlee?

Both demosites are special. In Osimo many people will experience the transition towards more sustainable energy grids, – and we will follow this closely with our social research. In Oud-Heverlee, which is much smaller than the Osimo site, it is interesting to see how people are ready and eager to join the transition towards a low-carbon society.