Civil and Systems Engineering Seminar Series: Magdalena Klemun

Description

Magdalena Klemun, assistant professor in the Johns Hopkins Department of Civil and Systems Engineering, will present "Beyond Hardware: Challenges and Opportunities in Technology Assessment to Support the Next Stage of the Clean Energy Transition."

Abstract:

Technology in the clean energy sector spans both "hardware"—the physical equipment—and "soft technology"—the processes that involve design, installation, operation, and end-of-life management, including software and analog processes. How knowledge is codified in these two forms influences the speed at which technologies spread and improve and shapes the methods suitable for technology performance assessment. For example, while hardware prices in many clean energy domains have declined rapidly worldwide, soft costs continue to vary across regions. But while hardware is a well-defined category in the energy innovation literature, with standardized assessment methods employed by industry and government agencies, there is limited research on soft technology. This talk explores the availability and functions of soft technologies in selected clean energy domains. By synthesizing qualitative data from these areas, the talk aims to establish a foundation for classifying and advancing soft technologies. It will also discuss the suitability of existing technology assessment frameworks for evaluating and improving soft technologies. Additionally, the talk will introduce ongoing projects at the Deployment Lab, providing opportunities for students interested in research assistantships and internships.