MSc Sustainable Energy Technology

Sustainable Energy Technology (SET) includes renewable energy sources (such as solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, and energy from biomass) and technologies designed to improve energy efficiency and utilisation. A transition to a society based on sustainable energy is necessary to be self-sufficient, meet the growing global demand for energy, and address the threat of climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions. This transition from fossil to sustainable energy requires fundamental changes and innovations affecting the world’s energy landscape.

Securing a sustainable energy future implies an energy transition that will require a new generation of dedicated engineers and researchers capable of developing, optimising, and integrating sustainable energy sources including solar energy and heat, wind energy, geothermal energy, and energy from biomass. Because of the intermittency of some sustainable sources, storage of electricity and heat is an important factor for success. This requires innovative batteries, efficient heat storage, and research into hydrogen as an energy carrier. New technologies need to be integrated into new and existing electricity and heat networks and market structures. The design of new forms of energy distribution, energy market structures, and smart grids is necessary to satisfy the energy needs of modern societies.

System integrators of the energy transition

Engineers in Sustainable Energy Technology have a broad knowledge of the field and act as the system integrators of the energy transition. They bring together different energy subsystems into one system. Their engineering skills include renewable energy generation, distribution systems, and storage. In addition they integrate systems that match the inherent uncertain fluctuating energy supply and varying demand. They are also aware of the challenges of the energy market and innovation management. There is a lot of demand for engineers with these skills, because governments and industry have ambitious plans for investments in sustainable energy.