During the Sustainable Energy Week 2025 organized by United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten explained why triggering intrinsic motivation is critical for promoting sustainable behavior.

Despite the recent progress of digital technologies that aim to optimize energy systems and enhance end-user interaction, the pace of systemic transformation remains relatively slow. Although many technologies exist and are available, behavioral and psychological factors remain common barriers toward their broader implementation. Among these barriers, the role of intrinsic motivation has received limited policy attention. 

This document draws on established psychological theory and examines how intrinsic motivation can be leveraged to promote energy-efficient behaviors, and more generally sustainable decision-making in energy. It presents real-world cases and provides a series of policy recommendations to integrate behavioral insights into long-term planning.

In 2023–2024, the Task Force on Digitalization in Energy developed national case studies aiming to raise awareness of UNECE member States about how digitalization can enhance energy system performance, expand access to energy, and address environmental, social, and economic challenges. This publication is the result of this research track of the Task Force. Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten was a contributing author.

During the Sustainable Energy Week 2024 organized by United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten explained why smart meters adoption in Germany was very slow and what we can learn from this.

Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten was first author of the paper "Behavioural barriers in adoption of smart meters", explaining that new energy systems designed to handle renewable energy sources are adopted in Germany at a very slow pace. It explains the behavioral barriers that hold people back from adopting this technology.

During the Bi-monthly open discussion forum organized by United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Group of Experts on Energy Efficiency, Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten explained how we can motivate others to take action toward a more sustainable future.

During the 19th Session Group of Experts on Cleaner Electricity Systems organized by United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten explained how cyber-resiliency in the energy system can be improved.

Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten was first author of the paper "Key considerations and solutions to ensure cyber resiliency in the smart integrated energy systems", explaining that digitalization is playing an increasing role in supporting the energy transition, but it also brings greater cybersecurity risks. The report outlines key cybersecurity threats to the energy sector, categorizes types of cyberattacks, and examines their potential impacts. It also provides technical and managerial strategies, along with policy recommendations, to reduce these risks. 

During the 70th session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten spoke and moderated the first half of Panel 1, as member of the UNECE Task force on Digitalization in Energy. She addressed why digitalization is powerful in achieving the energy transition.

In this presentation organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten explained several behavioral barriers that hold us back from moving forward faster in the energy transition.

This report by United Nations Environment Programme focuses on taking significant steps toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is important as the West Asia Region faces the triple planetary crisis, political conflicts, and human displacement. Digital Transformation (DT) can help manage these risks by for example enabling evidence-based analyses and tracking progress toward SDGs. However, they may also lead to increased e-waste production and energy consumption. This report helps policymakers address environmental issues using environmentally friendly practices and technologies.

Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten was first author of the paper "Addressing Behavioural Barriers to Energy Digitalization", explaining that many digital technologies exist to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but their adoption in the energy sector remains slow. A key reason for this lag is often overlooked: individual psychological and behavioral barriers. This report identifies seven key psychological barriers and offers strategies to help overcome them, supporting a faster and more effective energy system transformation.

In this presentation, Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten represented the UN ECE Task Force on Digitalization in Energy of the Group of Experts on Energy Efficiency at this International Telecommunication Union (ITU) event. She shared collected knowledge on opportunities and challenges in digitalization and future Task Force activities.

Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten contributed to the paper "Improving Efficiency of Buildings through Digitalization – Policy Recommendations from the Task Force on Digitalization in Energy". The building sector accounts for over one-third of global final energy consumption, with significant potential for further energy efficiency improvements. Digital technologies offer effective solutions across all stages of a building’s lifecycle, but unlocking their full potential often depends on supportive policy advancements. This paper highlights the benefits, risks, and trade-offs of digitalization in buildings and provides key recommendations for policymakers and energy experts.