Energy Management an interdisciplinary challenge

Transcription

1 Fachhochschule Kufstein - Europäische Energiewirtschaft Energy Management an interdisciplinary challenge Prof. (FH) Dr. Karl Reinhard Kolmsee

2 Agenda A remark on educational trends Two arguments for an interdisciplinary approach on energy management The Humboldt argument The Bahai argument Conclusions The Kufstein curriculum Basics Interdisciplinary teaching Overview Final remarks Future of education Future of energy business 2

3 Educational trends In Europe students tend more-and-more to choose bachelor and master programs that seem more training than education In energy management this reads like biogas management wind park planning Energy efficiency in industrial plants Besides being too narrow for any real job this is no appropriate educational approach 3

4 Interdisciplinary approach (1): Humboldt Humboldt, 1769 to 1859, German scientist known for his research travel to Latin America, USA, Asia. Established geography as empirical science. Humboldt arguments The world is big and colorful Knowledge is always limited (Socratic prudence) Understanding requires the ability to observe To change perspective Traditionally university education tried to reflect this approach of theory guided empiricism (modern: Popper) 4

5 Interdisciplinary approach (2): Bahai Sheikh Bahai, , an Arabic philosopher who is said to have constructed the first heating plant for a public bath-house based on biogas. He and his fellow cooperators were inventors and researchers Understand the usage case Calculate the costs of wood heating against any new investment Find the characteristics of methane gas Design a working plant There are few activities which do not require analysis and which do not or could not (maybe: should not) be changed over time. 5

6 The Kufstein curriculum (1): philosophy Applied science : Kufstein offers a three year Bachelor and two year Master program. All programs are applied in the sense that they shall directly qualify for a certain professional career. Programs are given by scientific staff and lectors coming from the industry Preparing the ground : Still bachelor course starts with physics, basic chemistry, mathematics, philosophy An interdisciplinary approach : energy management requires technical understanding, a well trained sense for business and management abilities. See the world : All students have to spend one semester at some other university in another country. 6

7 The Kufstein curriculum (2): overview bachelor Bachelor (full time on-campus program) Philosophy, ecology, history of power business as introduction Natural science Sources of energy (introduction into oil and gas business) Engineering (introduction) Grid management Economics of power supply (comparison of different electricity generation technologies) Finance and economics Practical course ( student consultants ) Two languages 7

8 The Kufstein curriculum (3): overview master Master (part time program, mainly e-learning, two weeks on-campus courses, start October 2010) NO introductory courses E-learning modules cover (selection) Project management (what would be needed for erecting a small power plant) European Law on Energy Business Business development Sourcing / trading Discussion specific topics that dominate public discussion (like desertec - the European solarthermic power plant in the desert - or the prolongation of nuclear power plant allowances) 8 Business English

9 The Kufstein curriculum (3): how it works Bachelor Traditional teaching, many external lectors with every day examples Strong variance in knowledge, expectations and interests of students energy management is considered difficult Students find positions at utilities, engineering offices, utility providers, administration offices Master (no experience yet) Interest mainly from utilities, some utility providers (GE) Value chain oriented (generation trading grid management distribution sales) On campus courses shall follow topics not courses (example: realization of Desertec covers project management, grid design, engineering aspects, finance) 9

10 Final Remarks Future of education: strong tendency for early specialization Future of energy business: competition for the best solution is becoming more complex; smart grid, smaller generation devices facilitate integration in industry production processes and households Future of education for energy management: two folded Specialized engineers Broad management approach demanding for an interdisciplinary understanding 10

11 Contact Prof. (FH) Dr. Karl Reinhard Kolmsee University of Applied Science Kufstein Andreas Hofer Str 7 A 6330 Kufstein Austria Karl.kolmsee@fh-kufstein.ac.at Smart Utilities Solutions GmbH Alte Traubinger Str. 17 D Garatshausen Germany Karl.kolmsee@smart-utilities.de 11