In June 2025, 32 students from Lodz University of Technology (Poland), Hamburg University of Technology (Germany), Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania), INSA Toulouse (France), University of Trento (Italy), and Tampere University (Finland) arrived at University of Stavanger (Norway) for the Green Transition in Offshore Wind challenge.
Introduced by the centre for GWO certification and wind tech education Energy Innovation, this ECIU University Challenge asked participants several questions:
Students were divided into six working groups, each developing their own solutions for the industry. A wide range of study disciplines was represented, including political science, industrial design, environmental engineering, IT, economics, and chemistry.
The proposed ideas included use of technology and ‘airbag’ vests for evaluating and training wind power workers on safety, an efficient system for recycling rotor blades, and initiatives to create greater acceptance for offshore wind power and increase interest in working in the sector.
An informal prize was awarded to the team suggesting a new type of reporting system for safety and environmental concerns in offshore wind companies.
‘This is a specific solution which would be interesting to test as a pilot,’ pointed out the University of Stavanger expert jury.
Frank Emil Moen, CEO of Energy Innovation, participated in the work alongside the students. The engaged business leader has been involved in developing the new one-year study program in wind power and values contact with students highly.
‘I have a great collaboration with the alliance and think ECIU University is an excellent initiative,’ says Moen.
‘International and interdisciplinary collaboration is extremely important, especially in Europe. It has a value far beyond the project itself.’
Learn more at eciu.eu or explore the latest learning opportunities at engage.eciu.eu.
Source: Leiv Gunnar Lie, University of Stavanger
Photos: Leiv Gunnar Lie