University College Cork launches the nation’s first energy degree

UNIVERSITY College Cork launched the country’s first energy engineering degree course yesterday.

The four-year programme, which starts next year, will train a new generation of energy engineers to face some of the most challenging issues facing the world today like climate change and peak oil supply.

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan said the need for such graduates was increasing.

“This is an exciting new development that will place the university in an important position in energy engineering not only in Ireland, but internationally,” he said.

“The timing couldn’t be more appropriate due to the urgency attached to the dual problems we face, namely climate change and energy security.”

The course will cover topics like sustainable energy, energy in buildings and transport, as well as specialist topics in wind energy, wave power, biofuels, and building energy systems. It will also include a paid placement in industry.

Students sitting Leaving Cert exams next year can apply for one of 20 places on the course. It is expected they will need between 400 and 500 points to be considered.

However, places are expected to increase over the years as extra funding is secured.

Course lecturer and co-ordinator of UCC’s Sustainable Energy Research Network, Dr Brian Ó Gallachóir, said 14 permanent academic staff involved in energy research will teach the course.

“Together, they have secured €11 million in research funding since 2004 and work in the areas of wave energy, wind energy, energy policy, energy systems in buildings, biofuels for transport and power conversion,” he said.

The State has set aside €8.6 billion for investment in energy under the National Development Plan.

Together with private investment, Dr Ó Gallachóir said it is vital to prepare students for the career opportunities in Ireland and around the world.

UCC launched a Master’s in Sustainable Energy two years ago.

Dr Richard Kavanagh, Dean of UCC’s Engineering Faculty and coordinator of the new programme, said the planned investment points to a long-term demand for energy engineers.

UCC launched a Master’s programme in Sustainable Energy two years ago.

A total of 122 people are competing for the 25 places on this course.