NHH wins €4 million EU grant to tackle energy inequality

Overview of the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) in Bergen, surrounded by greenery and residential houses. At the bottom, portraits of two researchers connected to a new EU project on fair energy transition.
Starting March 2026, NHH leads a million-euro European research project tackling energy inequality on the path to climate neutrality using novel data.
By Ina-Cristine Helljesen

11 September 2025 08:12

NHH wins €4 million EU grant to tackle energy inequality

How can Europe make the green transition fair for everyone? NHH will lead a large international research project to explore the answer.

The project, ENERPOL, will develop data-driven policies to help households manage volatile energy prices while supporting Europe’s transition to climate neutrality. 

‘We address one of the most pressing issues in the energy transition, which is household inequality,’ said Maximilian Todtenhaupt, ENERPOL coordinator.

Key facts

  • ENERPOL: Using Smart Contracts and Policies to Reduce Energy-Related Risk and Inequality Among Households
  • The project unites academic institutions from nine European countries with 16 non-academic organizations, coordinated by NHH.
  • The grant is awarded under Horizon Europe’s Excellence Pillar through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network.

Tackling a pressing challenge

ENERPOL combines economics, mathematics, energy policy, behavioural science, and data analytics. Their aim is to understand how household income, wealth, and energy use affect the ability to cope with rising costs.

As part of the grant, ENERPOL establishes a doctoral network that will bring together 14 early-stage researchers from across Europe. Over four years, these doctoral candidates will be trained to shape fair and efficient energy policies for climate-neutral Europe.

‘For me, the exciting thing about ENERPOL is that cross-border collaboration allows us to achieve research and training goals that no single institution could reach alone´, said Todtenhaupt.

Joining forces across Europe

The project brings together universities and industry partners from across Europe. Key industry collaborators for NHH include Elmera ASA and Elhub AS. The consortium combines data from different energy markets, enabling new insights for evidence-based policy recommendations. 

'ENERPOL will help develop fair, knowledge-based energy policies for a climate-neutral Europe.’

Katrine Vellesen Løken

Professor and Vice Rector for Research at NHH Katrine Vellesen Løken, highlights the grant’s importance.

‘This prestigious award strengthens our commitment to international research collaboration and training young scholars. ENERPOL will help develop fair, knowledge-based energy policies for a climate-neutral Europe,’ she said. 

The project supports the European Green Deal, the Digital Transition, and the creation of a just, inclusive energy future. It aligns with NHH’s strategic focus on sustainability, international collaboration, and research impact. 

ENERPOL officially begins in March 2026. Recruitment for doctoral positions will begin at the end of 2025.