Background

As we try to achieve the UN goal to become carbon neutral by 2050, obviously the participation of public and private actors is crucial. They transform the energy sector with new regulations and modern technologies. It is becoming greener, more decentralized, and empowers consumers more than ever. Consumers can produce, store, and even share renewable electricity with each other, they can offset their carbon footprint, switch to biogas and more.  As the world moves towards decarbonization and the increased adoption of renewable energy sources, digital technologies play a crucial role in empowering consumers to take control of their energy usage and make more sustainable choices. Consumers have more opportunities than ever before to access information (with the help of smart meters) and manage their energy usage through digital solutions. However, consumers are still not exploiting their full potential - their engagement in energy sustainability is still relatively low, and many people are not taking full advantage of the available digital tools.

Challenge

Ignitis Group is looking for innovative solutions that leverage digital technology to increase consumer engagement in energy sustainability. This might include developing new apps, platforms or other digital tools that can educate and empower consumers to make more informed decisions about their energy usage, encourage to switch to renewable energy sources, participate in energy communities, etc. Student teams are urged to think outside of the box and come up with innovative solutions that would help consumers to become more sustainable.
To develop effective solutions, teams will need to consider the latest trends in digital technology, consumer behavior, and energy policy. It's important to not only create digital solutions that are user-friendly, but also to make sure they are able to motivate consumers to take action and make changes in their energy consumption habits. The goal is to create digital solutions that are not only effective in increasing consumer engagement but also easy to use, accessible to a wide population, and able to drive real behavioral change towards energy sustainability.