Novel aspects of the future energy system to be considered: energy system vulnerability and decentralized energy conversion units for seasonal storage

After extensive discussions in the energy research community, we identified two new areas of work where different disciplines need to collaborate closer to speed up the transition to a renewable energy powered society. These are:
1. Decentralized energy conversion units for seasonal storage
2. Energy system vulnerabilities

The two challenges require setting up new research communities that bring together the relevant knowledge on spatial planning, (geo-)political science, legislation and governance, sustainable business models, as well as the required technical expertise on renewable energy systems, system integration, the built environment, and the (energy) industry.