The purpose of the thesis is to explore the renewable-intensive European energy system from three perspectives: improving energy security, increasing production stability, and minimizing total energy system costs.  

The thesis comprises four studies.  

The first study investigates the potential role of nuclear energy in reducing Europe’s reliance on metal imports within a renewable-intensive energy system, focusing on the perspective of energy security.  

The second study evaluates the return on investment of two nuclear energy projects - conventional nuclear and small modular reactors (SMR) - and two wind energy projects - onshore and offshore wind power.  

The third study incorporates the power grid and employs a stochastic optimization model to determine the cost thresholds at which the integration of SMR into the European energy system can lower total system costs.  

The fourth study uses a stochastic optimization model, along with sensitivity analysis, to assess the cost and efficiency thresholds that define the competitiveness of incorporating hydrogen into the energy storage system. 

Trial lecture:  

Aud. Karl Borch, 13:00

Title of the thesis:  

«European Energy Transition Strategy: Energy Security, Investment Potential, and Cost Minimization» 

Defense: 

Aud. Karl Borch, 15:15 

Supervisors:  

Professor Leif K Sandal (main supervisor), Department of Business and Management Science, NHH 

Professor Stein Ivar Steinshamn, Department of Business and Management Science, NHH 

Postdoctoral Fellow Rasmus Noss Bang, SNF  

Members of the evaluation committee: 

Associate Professor Sigrid Lise Nonås (leader of the committee), Department of Business and Management Science, NHH 

Senior Researcher Charlotte Wagner, Stockholm Environment Institute 

Professor Emeritus Erling Moxnes, UiB  

The trial lecture and thesis defense will be open to the public.