The Nordic Edge: SETU students explore some of Europe’s most innovative energy projects

Students from the BEng (Hons) and MSc in Sustainable Energy Engineering, and Electrical Engineering students at South East Technological University (SETU) Waterford recently went on their annual international study trip, this year to Copenhagen, Denmark and Sweden.

The trip gave them the opportunity to explore some of Europe’s most innovative energy and infrastructure projects.

The first visit was to Denmark’s largest waste-to-energy plant, where they saw how municipal waste can be converted to thermal energy and used in Copenhagen’s extensive district heating network.

At HOFOR Energy & Water showroom, students learned about Copenhagen’s ambitious sustainability strategy, which has significantly reduced the city’s carbon footprint and positioned it as a global leader in the transition towards carbon neutrality.

The trip also included a train journey across the famous Øresund Bridge to Sweden, where the group visited a hyperscale data centre project currently being delivered by Sisk.

On returning to Copenhagen, the group visited CopenHill, the city’s renowned waste-to-energy facility, which uniquely features a ski slope and café on its roof from where the group could view the HOFOR biomass plant and the city skyline.

The trips would not be possible without the generous support and sponsorship of industry. Many thanks to Laura McMahon and Paul Martin of CIBSE Ireland, David O’Connor of WELTEC Engineering and Pat Corcoran of FPK Engineering Solutions for providing this support.

International study trips provide invaluable educational and cultural experiences for students. SETU is deeply appreciative of the generous support from sponsors, whose contributions help make these opportunities accessible.

 Level 8 BEng (Hons) in Sustainable Energy Engineering, Programme Leader: Colm Tynan colm.tynan@setu.ie

Level 9 MSc in in Sustainable Energy Engineering –  Programme Leader: Mervin Doyle mervin.doyle@setu.ie