Degree Programs for Sustainable Energy Systems Launched

“To secure a sustainable energy future, we need a new generation of dedicated engineers and researchers who are capable of developing, optimizing, and integrating sustainable energy sources such as solar energy, wind energy, and energy from biomass,” says Prof. Christian Rehtanz from the Chair of Energy Systems and Energy Economics, who co-designed the new degree programs. Since these sources are only available irregularly, sector coupling and energy storage are important success factors. This requires, for example, innovative batteries as well as highly automated load and feed-in management, and hydrogen must also be included as an energy carrier. The new technologies must also be integrated into existing energy networks and market structures. “It is necessary to design new forms of energy distribution, energy market structures, and intelligent systems in order to meet the energy needs of modern societies in a sustainable way,” says Prof. Rehtanz.

The graduates of the new degree programs, as engineers for sustainable energy systems, have an extensive knowledge in this field and can act as system integrators of the energy transition. Their technical skills include the areas of renewable energy generation, distribution systems, storage, and digitization. They can control the fluctuating energy supply and the fluctuating energy demand and are aware of the challenges of the energy market and innovation management. In addition, they are familiar with central aspects of sustainability.

Addressing urgent social challenges

“The new bachelor’s and master’s programs differ in content from the already existing programs at our department, as they address current and future highly relevant societal aspects in a broader scope,” explains Prof. Martin Pfost, the Dean of Studies at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. “The demand for engineers in this field is very high and will continue to rise in the future, as not only the government and industry, but also society as a whole, have ambitious plans for investments in sustainable energy – not least to preserve a livable environment.”

At TU Dortmund University, education for sustainable development is increasingly anchored in research and teaching. Some departments already offer courses with a direct sustainability reference. Additionally, since the winter semester 2021/2022, there is the studium oecelogicum, in which students can obtain a sustainability certificate in addition to their studies. The offerings of the studium oecologicum are an integral part of the curriculum in the new Bachelor’s degree program.

Master internationally oriented

In the Master’s degree program “Sustainable Energy Systems”, which builds on the content of the Bachelor’s degree program “Nachhaltige Energiesysteme” (Sustainable Energy Systems), the previously acquired knowledge and skills are deepened. In addition, an industry internship is planned. The study is conducted in English, making it attractive for international students as well as for local students who wish to optimally prepare for a career in science or in an internationally active company. “Sustainable Energy Systems” is one of now 14 Master’s degree programs that TU Dortmund University offers in English.

Further information:

To the Bachelor’s program (German only)   To the Master’s program

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