The MSc Program Renewable Energy Systems is the first cross-border course in Austria dealing with the future issues of alternative energy production. Based on the professional and academic background of the students the postgraduate program conveys specialist decision-making competence in order to operate plants for the use of renewable energy sources in an economically and technically feasible manner. This professional qualification enables the students to evaluate future developments for renewable energy technologies and design projects clearly on this basis. They develop a critical awareness with regard to (new) findings and developments in the possible uses of renewable energy. Furthermore, they are able to combine new and existing knowledge and to adapt it to specific situations.

Following these requirements three aspects have been given special consideration: 

Technological Innovations

Participants acquire a basic technical knowledge in the area of alternative energy production. The fast-changing nature and development of this sector are specifically considered. Focal points are solar energy, wind power, biomass, biogas, small hydropower stations, photovoltaics, bio fuel, and geothermal technology as well as issues, such as energy saving and energy efficiency.

Management of Sustainable Energy Systems

Conveys skills, such as project development, project financing, project operation, and knowledge on business management. Furthermore, participants obtain a detailed market overview on selected European countries.

General Economic and Legal Framework

Participants obtain knowledge on the general economic and legal frameworks of European Union as well as national directives and legal provisions of selected European countries.

This postgraduate program comprises 120 ECTS credit points and lasts four semesters. One ECTS credit point corresponds to a workload of 25 hours consisting of presence, pre- and post-processing.

Participation in selected modules of the MSc-program in alignment with a candidate’s professional goal is an option upon individual request. Candidates need to fulfill the admission requirements and pass the regular admission process. 

Modules:

  • Non-conventional energy production, energy mix, energy trade, international and European programs and conventions in the sector of renewable energy;
  • Economic aspects of renewable energy, basic economics, basic management, introduction on risk evaluation and risk management;
  • Structural planning;
  • Distribution networks (electric, thermal, gas), feeding-in and control of distribution networks; Practical examples of network interaction.

6 ECTS

  • Principles of energetic use of biomass (physical, chemical), available raw material resources, and ecological resource management
  • Plant engineering for the energetic use of biomass (electric, thermal, gas, liquid);
  • Planning, construction, implementation, operation, and maintenance;
  • Economic evaluation, risk, and cost aspects;
  • Practical examples, field trips to existing plants.

15 ECTS

  • Physical principles of the use of solar energy;
  • Potentials;
  • Plant engineering for the use of solar energy (electric, thermal);
  • Planning, construction, implementation, operation, and maintenance;
  • Economic evaluation, risk, and cost aspects;
  • Practical examples, field trips to existing plants.

10 ECTS

  • Physical principles of energy usage;
  • Available resources, potentials;
  • Plant engineering for energy generation (electric, thermal);
  • Planning, construction, implementation, operation, and maintenance;
  • Economic evaluation, risk, and cost aspects;
  • Practical examples, field trips to existing plants.

15 ECTS

  • Physical principles, energy demand of buildings, building services engineering;
  • Optimised building concepts, potentials, opportunities;
  • Energy efficiency in the public sector and in companies;
  • Outsourcing of energy supply services;
  • Economic evaluation, risk, and cost aspects;
  • Analysis of practical examples.

10 ECTS

  • Legal aspects of renewable energy according to the EU regulatory system
  • Basics of European Community Law
  • Austrian national legal basis of renewable energy
  • Valuation and Financing of Energy Projects
  • Business Plans for Energy Projects
  • Financial Planning for Energy Projects
  • Principles of Accounting
  • Tax law
  • Investment law / Licensing Procedure

10 ECTS

  • Fundamentals of electricity markets and CO2 emissions trading
  • Basics of electricity grids
  • Future role and responsibilities of transmission grids
  • Grid integration of renewables and the concept of Smart Grids
  • Market integration of renewables and storages
  • Direct marketing of green electricity
  • Example for integrating RES-E into the grid

14 ECTS

  • Operative organization, team building;
  • Self management, conflict management;
  • Information work and opinion forming, media relations;
  • Civic participation;
  • Presentation, moderation.

6 ECTS

  • Developments in world energy consumption;
  • Future technologies;
  • Technology assessment;
  • Environmental protection and environment-related issues.

4 ECTS

  • A master's thesis is written with the assistance of a tutor, preferably, relating to the student's occupational activity and focusing on the feasibility of practical implementation.

30 ECTS