Emerging Energy Solutions in the U.S. and Denmark

This program will not run for Summer 2022.  The information is provided here as a reference for future years.   

Join us to discover current trends in renewable sustainable energy solutions and participate in a multinational team of U.S. and Danish students on a project with both U.S. and Danish energy companies. 

The program includes traveling to Copenhagen, Denmark to visit the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), energy facilities such as a power facility, solar, geothermal and wind farm, as well as experiencing Scandinavian culture.  You will be meeting and working with students from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) throughout the program. Students will gain an understanding of the how the broad spectrum of power grid technologies are applied in the electrical energy industry, with an emphasis on transmission and distribution systems at the electric utility level related to clean energy integration. An understanding will be gained of the history of the electric power industry in the U.S. and in Denmark, as well as today’s challenges and opportunities related to clean energy development and necessary power grid infrastructure investment 
 
The second half of the course Pitt students will work with students from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) to develop an R&D proposal related to an energy challenge specified by relevant industrial case owners. Teams will be international and composed of students from both Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and the University of Pittsburgh (PITT). Teams will choose between an energy problem related to generation, end-use distribution, or energy system infrastructure and will assess and compare the feasibility of solutions in both Denmark and the United States.  Past companies we have worked with include Eaton, First Energy, Duquesne light, and Siemens, Energinet (transmission), and Frederiksber Komune in Denmark. 
 
This course can be applied to fulfill a requirement in the Electrical Engineering Power Concentration and to fulfill requirements for the SSoE Sustainability Certificate! 
 

Travel portion of the program:  one week in Denmark.

Virtual portion: finish the course remotely in June.  

 

 

What You'll Accomplish: 

Through a combination of company visits in Denmark and virtual sessions, you will gain an understanding of:

 

  •  A broad spectrum of power technologies and how they are applied in the electrical energy industry
  •  Transmission and distribution systems at the electric utility level and how it relates to clean energy integration
  •  Historic and current energy policies
  • The ability to successfully work in multinational teams.

 

Copenhagen is Denmark’s capital and sits on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager, linked to Malmo in southern Sweden.  Copenhagen's economy has seen rapid developments in the service sector, especially through initiatives in information technology, pharmaceuticals and clean technology.
 

Where You'll Live: 

You will be staying in hotels. You can expect: 

  • Double or triple rooms with a shared bathroom
  • Air conditioning
  • Sheets, blankets, towels, and washcloths
  • Breakfast included each day 
  • Wifi
What You'll Study: 

 

This course can fulfill a Power Concentration elective for EE students.  and toward the SSoE Sustainability Certificate. 

The syllabus for this course is posted here.  

 

More information about the provider in Denmark will be updated soon. 

Your Pitt Study Abroad Contacts: 

Dr. Robert Kerestes

Dr. Kerestes will be leading the Emerging Energy Solutions US & Denmark program for Summer 2022! Robert Kerestes received his Ph.D. from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh in 2014. Prior to that he also received his M.S. (2012), and his B.S. (2010) all with a concentration in electric power systems at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to his education, Robert served in the United States Navy as an interior communications electrician onboard the USS Constellation from 1998-2002 and then as a construction electrician in the Seabees Navy Construction Battalion from 2002-2006. Following his education, Robert worked at Emerson Automation Solutions (formerly known as Emerson Process Management) where he led the development and implementation of mathematical models for electric power applications related to embedded simulation. In 2016, Robert joined the University of Pittsburgh’s ECE Department where he focuses on the advancement of pedagogy and assessment in the field of electrical engineering, particularly in the areas of electric power distribution systems, distributed energy resources, and electromagnetism. Robert’s research interests are in the development of the next generation of electric power distribution systems and the integration of renewable energy resources into the distribution sector. Robert took on the role of Director of the Electrical Engineering Undergraduate Program in the Spring of 2017 and currently serves in that role.

E-mail: 
rjk39@pitt.edu

Alicia JF Olalde, M.A.

Konnichiwa! After working for the JET program in Japan for just over two years, I decided to pursue a career in international education. I returned to the US via a few months of travel -slowing making my way west with many stops in stunning locations and with amazing people. Whenever possible, I continue to love exploring new countries and cultures! I have been fortunate to work both as an administrator and as a classroom educator in higher education; my areas of interest are international, adult and comparative education.  I enjoy assisting engineering students seize international opportunities! Reach out to me at a.olalde@pitt.edu!

E-mail: 
a.olalde@pitt.edu

Schedule an appointment

SSOE students: schedule an appointment with me using Pathways via this link!

non-SSOE students-- send me an email and we'll set up a time to meet!

 

Items Billed by Pitt
  In-State Out-of-State
Tuition TBD TBD
Program Fee TBD TBD
Study Abroad Fee $300 TBD
Total Billed by Pitt TBD TBD

Estimated Additional Out-of-Pocket Costs
Airfare $1200
Meals $300
Visa costs if applicable- If you are not a U.S. Citizen there might be costs associated with applying for a visa TBD

Total Estimated Program Cost
  In-State Out-of-State

Total Estimated Cost of Program
(Includes items billed by Pitt and additional expenses)

 TBD TBD
 

Pricing will be updated  closer to summer 2023 

What's Included: 

As a part of the fee, the following are included in the program:

  • Tuition for three Pitt academic credits
  • All accommodations
  • Daily breakfast, and some additional group meals
  • Local transportation in country
  • All site visits with all entrance fees included
  • On-site orientation
  • Mandatory health and accident insurance 

Remember that your lifestyle and spending choices can greatly affect the amount of money you'll need while abroad.  Visit our budgeting page for more information.

For global scholarship opportunities, check out:

  • the Pitt GEO scholarship page for links to national, provider and private scholarship samples
  • PittFund$Me  for Pitt sponsored funding including Pitt wide global scholarships, Nationality Rooms, VIH, etc.
  • PittFund$Me  for the SSOE Global Experience Scholarships!

 

 

When You'll Go: 

Travel portion of the program:  one week in May  In Denmark.

Virtual portion: finish the course remotely in June.  

What Else You Need to Know: 

Admissions Requirements:

  • This program is for students interested in sustainable energy engineering and/or energy policy and/or the economics of energy.

  • Good academic and behavioral standing, in your second year or higher level at the time of application

     

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