Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology

Profile

The Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST) is based in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Loughborough University in the UK. Established in 1993, it is recognised internationally as a centre of excellence in its field. Particularly in photovoltaic systems, materials and devices, wind power and integration of renewable energy into electricity grids. About fifty researchers, academics and associated staff are involved with CREST's work.

The MSc course in Renewable Energy Systems Technology, developed at CREST, is one of the longest established renewable energy masters courses anywhere on Earth. It is producing a stream of graduates who are working around the globe in all aspects of the renewables industry. This course can be studied full-time or part-time distance learning. As an advanced technology course, the modules in the CREST MSc include biomass, wind, solar, water/marine and electrical integration. There is a strong emphasis on electrical generation throughout.

History

The centre was initially set up through the funding of Professor Tony Marmont of Beacon Energy [http://www.beaconenergy.co.uk Beacon Energy] , who remains a mentor and advisory committee member. Other advisory members include Sir Jonathon Porritt and Dr Andrew Garrad of Garrad Hassan & Partners Ltd. Doctor Simon Watson is presently the Acting-Director of CREST and Leon Freris is a Visiting Professor. Professor Freris, together with Dr David Sharpe, a leading British wind turbine aerodynamicist who also worked at the centre, were both founding members of the British Wind Energy Association.

Associations

The Masters course is one of only 16 programmes in the UK admitted to the Panasonic Fellowship programme [ [http://www.raeng.org.uk/education/professional/panasonic/fellowships.htm "Panasonic Trust Fellowship" ] ] (run by the Royal Academy of Engineering). The Panasonic Fellowship programme is aimed at recent graduates who wish to embark on a full-time Masters degree course in environmental studies or sustainable development.

CREST is a participating university in the EUREC European Masters Program in Renewable Energy [ [http://www.master.eurec.be "European Masters Course"] ] an initiative supported by the European Commission to expand the European renewable energy industry.

The group is located in the Holywell Park area of the Loughborough campus, adjacent to the offices of the Energies Technology Institute (ETI).

External links

* [http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/el/research/crest/ Official site of CREST]
* [http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/el/ Official site of Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering]
* [http://www.eurec.be/component/option,com_weblinks/catid,17/Itemid,32/ EUREC Agency ]
* [http://www.master.eurec.be/ European Masters in Renewable Energy ]

References