Universities step up for energy transition

 
Around 100 participants from 22 countries gathered in Norway for the first UNI-SET Energy Clustering Event (ECE) to discuss and stimulate cooperation for the development of innovative research and education programmes in the energy field.

This was the first of five ECEs scheduled in 2016 and 2017. The event is part of a process aimed at the development of a roadmap for universities as important stakeholders in the energy society.

Participants had the opportunity to shape the upcoming ECEs through their contributions in discussions and parallel sessions on education, research and service to society.

Regarding these three main event topics, EUA Secretary General Lesley Wilson pointed out in an introductory talk the need for universities ‘to drive excellent research and innovation that benefits society.’

Norwegian University of Science and Technology’s (NTNU) Rector Gunnar Bovim emphasised that universities can contribute to the global energy system transformation as key providers of ‘knowledge for a better world’.

The crucial role of universities as key players in EU energy policy was recognised and further endorsed by the European Commission in a presentation given by Gwennaël Joliff-Botrel, Head of Unit Energy strategy at the Directorate-General for Research & Innovation.

The contribution of universities, in the framework of the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan) and the European Energy Union, is led at the European level by the European Platform of Universities in Energy Research & Education (EUA-EPUE), chaired by former NTNU Rector Torbjørn Digernes.

UNI-SET entitled ‘Human resources and new knowledge to build the future energy system’ took place at NTNU from February 24 to 26, 2016.