Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition

Overview

The learning environment is enhanced by the action research group, the Transition Lab, in the Islands Centre for Net Zero (ICNZ). ICNZ is a partnership led by the Orkney-based European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) working closely alongside our leading academics and a range of other business and community organisations across the Scottish Islands of Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides. Collectively, current ground-breaking research is helping to navigate the challenges we face and making progress in the development and delivery of new renewable and sustainable energy supply and end-use systems.

This course focuses on the key drivers of the exciting new and growing field of energy transition and transition engineering:

• Policy and economics of net zero carbon
• Renewable energy technologies, development processes and grid integration
• Energy transition in transport, primary production, construction and manufacturing
• Action for climate change through organisation, enterprise and technical shift
• Transition engineering in the broadest sense of figuring out how to build sustainable change through decarbonisation projects

Our graduates gain skills across renewable energy technology, integration and development, and the processes of creating and leading just transitions for enterprises, organisations and communities. The course addresses the needs of multiple circular economy sectors such as renewable energy developers, communities and organisations under pressure to meet net zero targets and address climate change. Teaching is reinforced with project work where emphasis is placed on simulating real-life situations and processes. Students learn how to use key communication platforms including digital tools for data analysis, modelling and other interactive approaches.

By choosing to study at our Orkney Campus, you will benefit from several activities including guest lectures from leaders in the sector and hands-on practical sessions which help to develop your skills and knowledge in your field of study. Orkney as a destination also offers the opportunity to network with leading ingenuity-led industry employers involved in many renewable energy sectors, providing a range of employment possibilities post-graduation.