Student Comments

Read what some of our students think about studying Renewable Energy Science at RES

"At RES I am able to gain valuable insight into research and development of new and environmentally friendly technologies – in my case in Fuel Cell Systems and Hydrogen. I've had workshops on fuel cells and electrolysers as well laboratory work, which I haven't had an opportunity to do in my country. I've also learned how to work within an international group of students and RES has given me the opportunity to acquire new knowledge and improve interpersonal skills. Shortly I'll be doing my research thesis in Colorado USA on SOFC Hybrid Systems. Following that my aim is to start my PhD studies in environment friendly power engineering with fuel cells and nuclear technologies. In my opinion RES provides a wide range of knowledge on how we can utilize the newest technology to reduce environmental burdens and improve our way of generating electricity as well as heat. Another important thing about RES is that students get in contact with people involved in renewable energy and get the opportunity to find out how theory works in practice."
Jakub Kupecki, 2009 Graduate Student on Fuel Cell Systems & Hydrogen Concentration

"Life during RES studies is not a piece of cake. One year spent on an island surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean seems to be pretty long, but in fact the time goes really fast here. The studies are tough, however beneficial, and although sometimes exhausting they are a lot of fun. At RES I've learned how the importance of our actions today will impact future generations: how much should be changed, mainly speaking about energy resources, what are the possibilities to do it and which technologies should be used to obtain our goals. During my thesis work I will focus on policies and European Union directives. My thesis project is based on EU Greenhouse Gas Emission Trading Scheme and its connection with biofuels production. In the future, using all the knowledge gained during my research, I will try to implement some ideas into Polish realities. As for me RES is not only a school but an opportunity to meet many fantastic people, with whom I have had a great time. I've also had the opportunity to see amazing places throughout Iceland showcasing the beautiful views known only from movies or internet. I insist you try the rafting or snowboarding here."
Magda Kozak, 2009 Graduate Student on Biofuels & Bioenergy Concentration

"At RES I've grasped the big picture of energy issues, its importance and know-how. Not only did I learn about particular technologies, but also understood the financial and political mechanisms that shape the market. I've acquired a complete and objective knowledge about bioenergy, straightened the popular tendentious, one-sided theories and opinions about biofuels. There is more to biofuels than just little sustainable sugarcane plantations in Brazil or suspicious subsidized rapeseed enthusiasm in Western Europe. I have learned to successfully work in stressful conditions and under time pressure; to focus on the tasks, strain the information load and organize work in order to meet deadlines. What makes RES exceptional is that the education we receive here is very specialized and up-to-date and therefore, oriented to provide highly qualified professionals ready to enter the very 'thirsty' environmental and engineering job market."
Swietlana Borkowska, 2009 Graduate Student on Biofuels & Bioenergy Concentration

"The master's programme at RES offers the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge of renewable energy related policies and techniques as well showing you an overview over almost all alternative energy concepts, which we need to solve our present and future energy problems in a sustainable way. I have really appreciated it to work with a group of skilled and dedicated international students from all over Europe and the US. Due to the fact that RES is very well connected to research facilities and universities all over the globe, I had the opportunity to get in contact not only with a lot of important researchers and professors but as well to in their field leading companies and possible future business partners, which is vital for students which are about to finish there studies and looking for interesting jobs in there home countries as well as abroad. I've already studied and worked within the field of geothermal energy in Germany, and at RES I specialised again in geothermal energy, because here you have the unique opportunity to gain a lot of expertise in a very short time. But this intensive program requires also a lot of dedication and hard work to succeed, but I think that is it worth. The different courses are taught by experts from all over the world, which makes it also very interesting for PhD students, like myself, to come here. Currently I start working on my master thesis, which is connected to the Icelandic Deep Drilling Program, which is a world leading research drilling project with the goal to utilize supercritical fluids for energy production, which will hopefully increase the energy output of a geothermal system by the order of one magnitude. But besides all the studies and hard work it is a great pleasure to discover the overwhelming vulcanic landscapes of Iceland and to make new friendships. I can highly recommend Jeep-tours across the country and fording rivers, skiing in Akureyri's ski resort and river rafting on Iceland's rough glacier rivers. You will for sure never forget those memorable moments in Iceland."
Sebastian Homuth, 2009 Graduate Student on Geothermal Concentration