LUMENS: Integration and acceptance of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in the EU energy market

Project narrative

To meet its decarbonisation targets, the EU must significantly accelerate the deployment of both decentralised and utility-scale renewable energy sources (RES). Yet major challenges persist, including low public acceptance and opposition to RES projects, and system-level integration barriers such as insufficient grid capacity, limited flexibility, and complex or fragmented regulatory frameworks. 

Overcoming these obstacles is already central to EU-wide strategies and initiatives designed to unlock the full potential of renewable energy and advance an affordable, resilient, and independent energy system. LUMENS will contribute to this effort, positioning itself at the forefront of research and innovation in the sector. 

LUMENS’ mission: 

LUMENS aims to (i) improve system integration within the EU energy market and (ii) strengthen and broaden social acceptance of utility-scale RES. Focusing on the most promising renewable technologies –photovoltaic and wind energy – the project will address the technical barriers limiting large-scale deployment (e.g., grid flexibility) as well as the social, environmental, and political challenges (e.g., market dynamics, risk-mitigation strategies) that still hinder progress toward the EU’s net-zero objectives. 

Active involvement of EU energy-sector stakeholders is essential to LUMENS’ success. The project is built on the principle that delivering effective solutions for the utility-scale RES sector requires empowering and engaging the very actors concerned as contributors and co-creators. By establishing a strong multi-actor network aligned with the project’s vision, LUMENS ensures the relevance, uptake, and long-term impact of its results. 

LUMENS consortium brings together key actors in the EU energy system, from market and power system operators to RES producers and EU associations, guaranteeing a holistic EU perspective and a multidisciplinary approach, concentrating expertise on technical, environmental, and financial and regulatory aspects.  

WR role in LUMENS 

White Research plays a central role in ensuring LUMENS’ success. As the partner leading the multi-actor engagement strategy, WR will secure continuous dialogue with key stakeholders across the EU energy sector, strengthening both the project’s relevance and the uptake of its results. 

We are responsible for launching the stakeholder network – drawing on the extensive connections of all consortium partners – and for designing a comprehensive engagement strategy that guarantees long-term participation of the most relevant actors. This includes supporting their active collaboration in the development and validation of LUMENS’ outputs. 

Through this work, White Research ensures that LUMENS’ results achieve real-world impact, backed by meaningful stakeholder involvement and effective knowledge exchange.