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It is paramount that we accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future to mitigate the effects that the climate crisis will have on our society. Furthermore, in spite of the ubiquitous availability of energy (i.e. electricity) in Europe, more than a billion people still lack access to clean, reliable and affordable energy sources. As an engineer, I believe the only viable and logical way to tackle the global climate challenge – while ensuring that the world’s growing population has access to energy – is to leverage innovations in technology to implement sustainable energy systems. They need to be technically sound and clean but also economically competitive and viable.

Given the low penetration of electricity in Africa, I am quite interested in the possibilities to deploy solar energy in the continent to develop microgrid solutions that have a high impact in the quality of life and level of development of local communities.

What differentiated it from most of the others I considered was the institution’s unique ecosystem that connects students with companies, professionals and researchers. Whether one wants to pursue an academic career, find a job with a company in a specific industry or start their own venture, EIT InnoEnergy will offer all the tools and resources needed. For those wishing to go beyond the required academic curriculum, it is really amazing how supportive EIT InnoEnergy is.

My favourite aspects of the curriculum are the possibility to study in two different universities located in two different countries, and consequently experience the local culture and lifestyle. In addition, we are exposed to such a diverse group of classmates, who come from all corners of the world, bringing a unique perspective to the classroom. This really broadens the scope of discussions and enriches the dialogue.

The network has allowed me to connect with several companies and professionals from the energy sector. Perhaps even more invaluable, EIT InnoEnergy offers students numerous opportunities to hear and learn from entrepreneurs, who share the journey they’ve been on since starting their ventures. This is something you wouldn’t normally have access to and offers invaluable insight into the process.

I believe the most significant contribution to my professional career will be how much more well-rounded I have become as an engineer and person. The Master's in Sustainable Energy Systems programme combines the technical aspects of an engineering programme with a system-level approach by integrating business and management considerations. This holistic method allows students to graduate with a much better understanding of what kind of solutions are feasible and can have a real application in the world. I believe this to be quite an invaluable asset, regardless of the career path I decide to take.