Master thesis : "Accelerating the Transition to a Sustainable Society: Novel Business Models of Decentralized Energy, Water, and Holistic Utility Service Companies"

Abstract

This thesis investigates how Utility Service Companies (USCOs) can play a pivotal role in accelerating the transition to a sustainable society by offering decentralized, integrated utility services in energy, water, mobility, and compute. As traditional centralized utility models face mounting challenges from environmental pressures, technological disruption, and policy evolution, USCOs offer a novel business model capable of addressing these needs at the community level.

Using a structured “table” framework based on three interdependent pillars—environmentally conscious technology, economic feasibility, and political-legal support—this research evaluates the viability of various sustainable utility technologies and their integration into local systems. Through detailed analyses of capital and operational expenditures (CAPEX/OPEX), payback periods, and financial structuring (including cooperative models and leveraged financing), the study reveals how scale and stakeholder involvement significantly impact financial viability.

The thesis also explores the regulatory landscape, highlighting both the constraints and opportunities for USCO implementation, particularly in the Flemish context. Special attention is given to emerging domains such as greywater reuse, compute as a utility, and smart thermal networks.

Ultimately, this research demonstrates that USCOs can enable circular, resilient, and community-driven infrastructure by aligning technological maturity with sound economics and evolving legal frameworks. It offers a practical foundation for designing and deploying business models that deliver long-term environmental and social value, while remaining financially robust and scalable.