"Renewable energy (RE) is nowadays promoted by European policy as key for energy security and as one response to climate change. Adoption of the EU renewable energy targets, demands a multidisciplinary approach and a closer nexus between science and local realities. In addition, local particularities in coastal areas require differentiated ways of management. This project will a) assess the positioning of RE as a socio-technical “system” in 20 coastal European areas, b) identify specific design principles of RE-systems, c) design a satisficing RE system based on local situations, d) define future strategies for RE in coastal areas. Methods to be used build from the construction of an inventory of coastal areas to a stakeholder mapping exercise, process design methods and system sensitivity analysis. Various dissemination methods and tools will be used to further communicate results to interested key-stakeholders and to facilitate interaction between social communities and Scholars. The innovative aspect of this research is that it uses a robust analytical frame coupled to design principles to define sustainable energy strategies thus providing new and industrially-relevant insights into future EU policy. This research offers European added-value in both scientific literature and local / European policy fields and a suite of transferability components. The Marie-Curie Fellowship, once awarded, will be the most important asset in the qualifications portfolio of a very experienced RE Expert and goals are expected to be achieved since the whole task will be a) hosted by a University with an excellent reputation in linking technology to societal concerns, b) supervised by one of the most reputed energy professors in Europe (Dr. P. Herder), c) embraced by a multi-disciplinary and highly experienced research team (Energy & Industry Dpt of TU-Delft University)"