The challenge of Sustainable Energy Technology
The world is becoming acutely aware of the urgency of resolving the many issues associated with world energy consumption and the threat of climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions. Both are demanding fundamental innovations in the world's energy landscape. Sustainable generation of energy will need to play a key role in coping with these issues, especially when considering the determination of people to retain or improve their standard of living.
Realising this 'revolution' will demand a new generation of specialised engineers and researchers. Research is needed to technically develop, optimize and integrate sustainable energy sources. Important sources are for example solar, wind, hydro and biomass. Additionally important are new energy carriers such as hydrogen and innovative batteries. New technologies need to be integrated into existing socio-technological networks. New forms of energy distribution must be investigated, as well as new energy market structures and new means of intelligently satisfying the needs of complex modern society. Sustainable Energy Technology graduates will achieve a high standard of expertise in the world of energy. This will stand them and their employers in good stead in the future.