Three questions for: Philippine Researcher Sophia Lunor at RLI

January 24, 2025 | Guest researcher Sophia Lunor from the Philippines is staying for 6 months at the Reiner Lemoine Institute (RLI). She is working together with scientists from the Off-Grid Systems Research Unit and helps with the development of an energy system model for Southeast Asia.

We asked Sophia three questions about her time at RLI.

What is your first impression of the Reiner Lemoine Institute?

Sophia: My first impression of RLI is that it is a dynamic organization focused on sustainable energy and creating positive, people-centered impact. The collaborative atmosphere, supported by driven colleagues and mentors, fosters an environment where ideas can be freely exchanged, and interdisciplinary work thrives. It’s clear that RLI’s research is not only of high quality but is also grounded in real-world conditions, which aligns with my personal values of inclusive development and my interest in contributing to sustainable solutions.

What are you working on during your stay at the RLI?

Sophia: My work in RLI focuses on the development of renewable energy transition pathways for Southeast Asia. The goal is to examine optimization strategies of an open energy models to explore different energy scenarios, aligning with RLI’s ongoing research in energy systems analysis. This work is highly relevant in the context of addressing the region’s unique energy challenges, promoting sustainable development, and supporting a fair and inclusive transition to renewable energy sources.

What are your goals for your time at RLI?

Sophia: My primary goal at RLI is to conduct research leading to a paper on optimal decarbonization strategies for Southeast Asia, comparing scenarios with varying levels of foresight and decarbonization targets. This research will provide insights into how foresight influences long-term energy planning. Beyond the research, I also look forward to contributing diverse insights while learning new perspectives and skills from my colleagues and mentors.

We thank Sophia for her support and wish her continued success with her work at RLI!