New degree program in offshore wind power
On Friday 25th June 2021, the Gdansk University of Technology and Gdynia Maritime University signed an agreement under which they will jointly create and run a unique programme of postgraduate study in Offshore Wind Power.
Gdynia Maritime University is one of only four universities in Poland involved in training personnel in the skills necessary for the service of wind farms. For the past 10 years, the Faculty of Navigation at the Gdynia Maritime University has conducted courses related to Offshore Technology.
In cooperation with the Gdansk University of Technology, the University will now develop an innovative programme of courses that will educate a generation of experts in Offshore Wind Power.
Experts in demand
The creation of the new degree program is part of the effort to meet the targets of the Act on promoting the generation of electrical energy in offshore wind farms (the “Offshore Act”), which is crucial if Poland is to fulfil its climate commitments both at a national and European level as set out by the Energy Policy of Poland until 2040. By 2030 renewable energy sources should account for a minimum of 32% of electric energy, or at least twice its current share.
The initial phase of the plan is the commissioning of wind farms with a total installed capacity of 5.9 GW, completion of which will required specialist personnel trained to work on the installation of offshore wind turbine technology. According to the assumptions of the European Green Deal, the European Union aims to achieve climate neutrality (zero emissions) by 2050. The EU strategy in favour of renewable energy sources assumes a six-fold increase in the capacity of offshore wind power - from 12 GW to 60 GW by 2030, and 300 GW by 2050.
Graduate skills
Graduates in Offshore Wind Power will gain advanced technical and navigational knowledge and the skills necessary for the planning, construction, repair, operation, grid connection, and servicing of offshore and onshore electric facilities, as well as their support systems. They will be qualified to supervise and work on construction projects within the offshore and onshore energy sectors, especially in areas such as wind power, scientific research on offshore wind power, technical management, operation and maintenance of equipment, and offshore and onshore power systems. Graduates will also be prepared to work in an international environment.
A detailed program of learning will be developed by a specially appointed Board for the Offshore Energy Study Programme consisting of experts from both Universities.
From GUT:
- Marek Dzida, DSc, Eng., GUT Prof.;
- Mohammad Ghaemi PhD, Eng.;
- Wojciech Olszewski MSc.;
From GMU:
- Sambor Guze, DSc, GMU Prof.;
- Maciej Matczak, DSc, GMU Prof.;
- Rafał Kołakowski, PhD, Eng., Master Mariner.
The first intake of students will take place at the beginning of the spring semester in February 2022. Details on admission to the degree programme will be provided shortly.
The course will be led by both GUT and GMU lecturers and will make use of the facilities of both universities.
