Why Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (REEE)?
Alarming climate change forecasts published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in October 2018 have confirmed the urgency of finding sustainable energy solutions. Meeting the goals formally agreed upon in the Paris Climate Agreement require expertise for the world-wide implementation of energy solutions. In view of depleting resources of fossil and nuclear fuels, energy generation based on different forms of renewable energy (RE) is the only presently available way to respond to the ever-increasing global energy demand on the long term. In addition, reduction of CO2 emissions to reduce global warming and climate change will only be feasible if energy resources are used more efficiently.
Main fields of research for grid integration of renewable energies are the application and optimization of storages, the reinforcement of the grid and control of flexible loads and power generators. In remote areas, ‘island solutions’ with decentralized RE generation might meet the demand. A sustainable energy future must consider the locally available RE from different sources within an international energy network.
Why for the Middle East and North Africa?
The world solar energy map shows the enormous energy potential of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. A photovoltaic plant in North Africa can produce three times as much electricity as one with comparable investment in Germany. “In less than 6 hours the deserts of the world receive as much energy from the sun as mankind uses in a year,” says Dr. Knies from the DESERTEC foundation. One of the world’s largest solar energy plants is currently being built in Egypt close to Assuan, Benban, with 1,65 GWp.
Energy corridors like the gas-based EuroAfrica Interconnector being implemented between Egypt through Cyprus to Greece and the TuNur project from Tunisia to Italy planned for the transportation of solar energy from the sunbelt of North Africa to Europe will contribute significantly to the decarbonization of the European grid. The Moroccan Noor solar power station Quarzazate using concentrated solar power (CSP) for energy production will be the largest of its kind world-wide with 2 GWp by 2020. Wind farms located by the Red Sea in Egypt belong to the most efficient in the world due to favourable wind conditions in this area. Hydro power, biomass and biofuels may add to the energy portfolio. Clearly, all considered technologies are applied worldwide so that the scope of REMENA is a global one and students from all over the world join the REMENA program.
Why Intercultural?
Sustainable energy supply will remain one of the most crucial challenges for the Arab region in the coming decades and also a main focus in developing cooperation. Experience shows that there is a lack of energy experts being familiar not only with technological aspects, but also with the culture, language and politics of Arab and Western European countries.
The implementation of suitable solutions in the energy sector happens in a highly complex framework of stakeholders. Tools are needed to raise awareness for culturally bound cognition and to analyse intercultural mishaps. Developing associated skills will support match-making and induce win-win-situations wherever possible. Working together in intercultural teams may well turn out to be one of the core issues in the shaping of a sustainable tomorrow.
Career Opportunities?
The nuclear energy phase out will boost investments into green initiatives and clean tech innovations making the REEE sector expand rapidly. Experts and project managers understanding the technical, environmental, regulatory, commercial and socio-cultural issues and constraints are highly sought for by companies and institutions. National and international organisations, ministries, local authorities, energy centres, non-governmental organisations and engineering companies need experts on postgraduate level for research and development and as consultants for strategic, feasibility and policy decisions in the energy sector.
Why Postgraduate Studies in the REMENA Master Course?
If you are interested in a career in the field of REEE, the MSc program ‘Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency for the MENA Region (REMENA)’ will provide you with technical and managerial knowledge in the REEE sector and with intercultural competencies. Both aspects are equally important when taking up leadership positions in the aforementioned institutions and to work effectively in the framework of international cooperation.
The REMENA MSc program comprises 4 terms and 120 ECTS for students with a Bachelor’s in economics, engineering, natural sciences or social sciences and work experience. The program offers six study options. Students may choose between a double degree from UKAS and CU and a double-degree from UKAS and UM with corresponding studies at different sites. Modules can be chosen from other universities in the REMENA university network including the University of Sfax and the German University in Cairo.
Lecturers from universities, research institutions and companies in the renewable energy sector combine their expertise in this English MSc program to guarantee an excellent education for young experts to meet the challenges in the energy sector.
Prof. Dr. sc. techn. Dirk Dahlhaus, Dr.-Ing. Nour Mansour, Dr.-Ing. Marc Selig
MSc Program REEE for the MENA Region (REMENA)
Dept. of Electrical Engineering/Computer Science, University of Kassel (UKAS), Germany
https://www.unikims.de/remena
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