International exchange in the field of renewable energies

Prof Dr Carsten Fichter intensifies cooperation with the Dutch Hanzehogeschool in Groningen

The expansion of wind energy is not only an important step towards the energy transition in Germany. Other countries are also focussing on the use of renewable energies. Everyone benefits from the exchange of experienced experts. Carsten Fichter travelled to Groningen in January for three guest lectures. At the partner university Hanzehogeschool, he worked with Bachelor's and Master's students on current topics in the field of onshore and offshore wind energy and hydrogen technology.

Prof. Fichter teaches in Bremerhaven on the Engineering, Sustainable Energy and Environmental Technology, Wind Energy Technology and Process Engineering and Energy Technology degree programmes. He also conducts research into the potential uses of green hydrogen as an energy source and the expansion of wind energy in Germany. This is not the first time he has visited the Dutch university. ‘I was already in Groningen in May 2024 at the ‘Hanze’ to strengthen our internationalisation in teaching and research in the field of renewable energies. The current guest lectures were the result of this,’ he says. 

‘Wind energy meets hydrogen’ was the title of the interactive lecture for Bachelor students. The focus was on current developments in the energy sector in the Netherlands and the technological challenges in the North Sea region. In two groups, they analysed the advantages and disadvantages, environmental influences, costs and social impacts of wind energy and hydrogen projects in the Netherlands. ‘The students investigated these aspects and then presented and discussed them,’ says Prof Fichter. The Master's students also focussed on wind energy and hydrogen technologies during their lectures. However, the focus here was more technical and much more challenging. ‘In the lectures, I explained the technical basics using practical examples. The Master's students then discussed the various aspects of wind turbines and hydrogen production,’ continues the professor.

The guest lectures were well received by the students: Some of them have already contacted Prof Carsten Fichter because they are interested in spending a semester abroad in Bremerhaven or would like the professor to supervise their final theses. In the summer, Bremerhaven students will also benefit from the collaboration: on 18 June, Prof. Dr Gerard Schepers from the Hanzehogeschool will visit the university and give a guest lecture on rotor aerodynamics of wind turbines.

The aim of the Erasmus+ programme is to promote exchanges between students, teachers and staff at universities within the European Union. In addition to traditional semesters abroad for students, teaching stays are also supported, provided they last at least two days, comprise a teaching load of eight teaching hours and take place at partner universities. The guest lectures in Groningen were also made possible by the programme. In addition to mobility for teaching purposes, the Erasmus+ programme also funds language and specialist courses (e.g. staff weeks) and work shadowing for teaching and administrative staff. 

Click here to go to the Energy Campus Entrance of the Hanze Hogeschool: https://www.hanze.nl/en/research/centres/entrance

The university coordinator and head of the International Office, Aleksandra Rupietta, will be happy to answer any questions about Erasmus+ funding.