Research Institute for Sustainability Helmholtz Centre Potsdam

Richard Thonig

Richard Thonig

Research Associate

Richard Thonig is a research associate in the Energy Transition Dynamics group at RIFS, Potsdam since April 2019. His work focuses on the co-evolution of technology, industry and policy in the case of concentrating solar Power (CSP) and its role in the European and global energy transition. This work contributes towards a dissertation in Energy Policy at the University of Potsdam. Mr. Thonig holds a master's degree in environmental science in the major Environmental Systems and Policy from ETH Zurich. He interned with in the EHS & Sustainability function at DOW Europe GmbH and participated in the transdiciplinary case study 2016 "Solid Waste Management in the Seychelles".

  • 2019- Research Associate, RIFS Potsdam
  • 2018-2019 Scientific Staff: Renewable Energy Policy Group, ETH Zürich
  • 2018 Master of Science ETH in Environmental Sciences (Major: Environmental Systems and Policy)

  • Sustainability transitions
  • Technology support policies
  • Concentrating Solar Power

Publications at the RIFS

Publications prior to joining the RIFS

  • Lilliestam, J., Thonig, R., Späth, L., Caldés, N., Lechón, Y., del Río, P., Kiefer, C., Escribano, G., Lázaro Touza, L. (2019): Policy pathways for the energy transition in Europe and selected European countries. Deliverable 7.2 MUSTEC project, Deliverable 1 SCCER JA IDEA, ETH Zürich, Zürich. Online
  • Lilliestam, J.,Thonig, R., Resch, G., Totschnig, G.,Geipel, J.,Ragwitz, M., Boie, I., Caldés, N. (2018), Mapping the policy variables affecting the role of concentrating solar power in the European Union. Deliverable 7.1 MUSTEC project, Zürich: ETH Zürich, Online
  • Thonig, R. (2018). Policy pathways of flexibility to 100% renewable electricity futures in Germany. ETH Zürich, Master thesis, 26th of February 2018.
  • Lai, A., Hensley, J., Krütli, P., & Stauffacher, M. (Eds.) (2016). Solid Waste Management in the Seychelles. USYS TdLab Transdisciplinary Case Study 2016.ETH Zürich, USYS TdLab Online