5 ways in which studying Energy Storage can land you a career in electric mobility

When we talk about the main goals of the transportation industry; such as reducing dependency on oil, a more efficient energy transformation, significant CO2 reductions and lowering local emissions – it’s all enabled by batteries. Silvia adds, “To facilitate the energy transition and to use renewable energy sources, storing that energy is dramatically important.” Auto industry leaders such as Tesla are using new battery technology to grow the industry from the current <1% of the total global passenger car market, to make it possible for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to be in everyone’s garage. For example, they have just announced a $25K electric car to hit the market within the next three years, and they can offer it at this low price due to its new battery cell (and manufacturing strategy).

Electric mobility (and hybrid) technology is revolutionising many transportation industries – not just automotive – such as marine and now aviation. For example, Airbus is laying the groundwork for industry-wide, zero-emission aviation. They developed their first all-electric, four-engine aerobatic aircraft in 2010 and continue to successfully work towards decarbonised flight with their latest planes, such as the E-Fan X.  Other major industries across the board from power to industrial are also realising the multiple applications for energy storage.

When choosing this exciting field of study, you will want to be at the epicentre of this technology. Due to the massive investment in batteries and industrial development programmes, Europe is establishing a complete domestic battery value chain for the clean energy transition and building a strong and competitive European battery industry.  One such programme is the EBA250, part of the European Battery Alliance, with a project-driven community of 400 industrial and innovation actors working together – all coordinated by EIT InnoEnergy. Energy storage represents a €250 billion opportunity in Europe today. Silvia explains, “The European Commission is strongly pushing the battery field, funding important initiatives such as Batteries Europe and Battery2030+ - and planning 17 new Giga factories here. This translates into many new qualified engineering jobs opening up in this sector over the next 3-5 years.” A forecasted 100,000+ jobs every year from 2020!

EIT InnoEnergy Master School offers a lot of in-depth, industry applicable knowledge on this topic – and is one of the very few programmes focused on energy/battery storage. Silvia says, “EIT InnoEnergy has put together high-ranked Universities, very committed to the field of energy storage. For example, Instituto Superior Técnico is committed to stationary applications, Politecnico di Torino is focused on automotive applications, and Aalto University is very well known for raw materials and recycling aspects. Also, POLITO is leading the work package on education in the larger research initiative battery 2030+, where Aalto is also involved.” Students are offered a learning journey with pioneering experts in the field and notable professors involved in the Battery2030+, build leading-edge business & entrepreneurial skills, while working on hands-on challenges and projects to prepare them for the enormous opportunities in this field.

The MSc in Energy Storage programme goes beyond the classroom experience, offering exciting field trips & site visits, such as pilot plants and the Maserati factory. “It’s beneficial for anyone studying energy storage or technical topics in general, to have the opportunity to visit directly companies that are producing batteries or using batteries for important applications such as in the automotive field.” Students have access to coveted industry internships and EIT InnoEnergy supported start-ups, such as Northvolt – who just opened up 300 job vacancies. On top of these insider connections, they also have an extensive EIT network to tap into – for expertise, mentoring, collaboration and industry relationships that build and remain long after your time studying.

Energy storage is playing a significant part in the energy transition that is happening right now – and Europe is at the forefront of this transition. Silvia shares, “The EIT InnoEnergy Master School is strongly involved in the education and research initiatives, which is good as the battery field is changing very fast and growing day by day. It’s a very motivating environment. You have the opportunity to be in the right place, at just the right time, to study this technology for a career in electric mobility. Are you ready to start?”