Lectures begin in unique University course in renewable energy

Brussels, 28 Oct 2002

After three years of planning and preparation, the European Masters in Renewable Energy has welcomed its first students. Lasting one year, this unique course aims to expose students with a technical background to a variety of renewable energy technologies in a variety of countries.

'We are delighted at this achievement,' said Professor Arthuros Zervos, vice President of EUREC Agency and academic director for the course's wind technology specialisation. 'While many universities already offer courses on renewable energy, ours is unique in obliging students to study in at least two different countries. This feature will attract engineers with an international outlook, keen to expose themselves to different national markets.'

Professor Joachim Luther, EUREC Agency's president, added: 'For industry to drive forward the exploitation of renewable energy sources, it needs more engineers with the backgrounds and qualifications that our training can provide.'

The course was developed by the EUREC Agency which was established in 1991 as an umbrella group for European researchers working on renewable energy technologies. As an independent association, it groups 45 prominent research and development (R&D) organisations from across the EU.

A total of 20 students have enrolled, from 12 different countries, including two from the USA. They span ages from 21 to 56 and the majority are mechanical, electrical or agricultural engineers.

The course is split into three parts. A four month core component at either Loughborough University in the UK, the University of Zaragoza or the École des Mines at Nice is followed by three months of 'specialisation' in either wind (Athens), biomass (Zaragoza) or hybrid systems (Kassel).

'For the final months of the course - May to October - students must undertake a research project in industry or at a research centre,' explained Khaled Faïz, the EUREC Agency representative responsible for the smooth running of the Masters. 'Any company wishing to propose a project to our students should contact us right away. Interest has already been expressed by ENEL Green Power in Italy, Garrad Hassan, UK and the Institute for Solar Energy Technology, ISET in Germany'

For further information, please visit: http://www.eurec.be

CORDIS RTD-NEWS/© European Communities, 2001