The Environmental Protection and Energy (EPAE) Conference is an annual academic event organized by the Silesian University of Technology, specifically by students from the Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering. This initiative is rooted in project-based learning methodologies, under the guidance of Magdalena Bogacka and Krzysztof Pikoń. The conference has been running since 2012, establishing itself as a key platform for discussions on environmental and energy-related challenges.
The 12th edition of the conference, EPAE 2024, took place on December 6, 2024. It serves as a venue for young researchers, scientists, and students to present their work, share insights, and collaborate on innovative solutions in areas such as environmental protection, energy systems, and the circular economy. Over the years, it has drawn participants from 24 countries, becoming a significant academic event in these fields.
ENTRA-Lab participated in this year’s EPAE Conference in Poland, represented by its Director, Associate Professor Dr. Lefteris Topaloglou, Associate Researcher Dr. Despoina Kanteler, and PhD Candidates and Associate Researchers Fenia Pliatsika and Konstantina Nikolaidou. The team hosted a special session titled “Just Energy Transition: Place-Based Strategies and Monitoring Mechanisms,” which combined expert presentations and an interactive Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) workshop. This session brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss equitable and sustainable energy strategies in coal-dependent regions across Europe.
Special Session: Just Energy Transition – Place-Based Strategies, Presentations, and Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping
The hybrid-format special session focused on innovative approaches for promoting justice and effectiveness in energy transition governance in Greece, Poland, and Bulgaria. With a strong emphasis on spatial justice, multi-level governance, and local monitoring mechanisms, the session provided valuable insights into fostering equitable development in regions transitioning from coal dependency.
Key contributions from ENTRA-Lab’s team included:
- Konstantinia Nikolaidou, Fenia Pliatsika, Sofia Pavlidou, Dimitris Kallioras, Lefteris Topaloglou, “Localizing Global Agendas for Just Energy Transitions” – Examined how aligning Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with local strategies can drive fair transitions.
- Fenia Pliatsika, Sofia Pavlidou, Despoina Kanteler, Spyros Niavis, Lefteris Topaloglou: “Deliberative Approaches in Achieving Fair Energy Transitions” – Highlighted participatory democracy models for enhancing inclusivity and fairness.
- Sofia Pavlidou, Despoina Kanteler, Yiannis Karagiannis, Dionysios Giannakopoulos, Lefteris Topaloglou: “Integrating Climate Vulnerability Data into Investment Strategies and Land Use Planning” – Demonstrated the use of geospatial analysis in managing climate risks and opportunities.
- Yiannis Karagiannis, Konstantinia Nikolaidou, Nikos Tourlis, Panagiotis Pantazis, Lefteris Topaloglou: “Assessing Fairness in Energy Transitions” – Proposed frameworks to evaluate the equity and justice of energy transition strategies.
The session also included an interactive Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) workshop, which allowed participants to explore the complex interrelations between governance models, stakeholder engagement strategies, and investment decisions in coal-dependent regions. By visualizing these interdependencies, stakeholders were able to deepen their understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in just energy transitions.
ENTRA-Lab’s Commitment to Justice and Collaboration
ENTRA-Lab’s active participation in the EPAE Conference, led by a dynamic team of experts and researchers, underscores its commitment to fostering innovative, collaborative, and justice-centered approaches to energy transitions across Europe. Through its presentations and hands-on workshops, ENTRA-Lab continues to contribute to the global dialogue on sustainable development and equitable energy governance.
