Dr. Barbara Janusz-Pawletta, Vice-rector for International Cooperation of DKU

Alexey Kobzev, Manager of Renewable Energy projecs of DKU

"Kazakh-German University developed a master's program “Strategic management of renewable energy sector and energy efficiency” which was approved by the academic council. "

- As it is known today there is no academic program on renewable energy in Kazakhstan. There is a shortage of local engineering staff in the field of solar, wind and hydropower. In your opinion, how should this problem be solved?

- A number of different energy specialists with different skills work in the RE have the knowledge and skills to create, plan and use RE facilities.

For this, it is necessary to be aware of economic features, have knowledge in this area, and have basic engineering knowledge in order to understand what factors can affect the operation. This area, like any others, has its own specifics. But since this is a high-tech area, it is necessary to have certain skills to work market: from managers and economists to engineering and technical staff. If we talk about maintaining renewable power plants or stations, any holder of bachelor's degree in engineering can quite cope with this task. However, if we talk about management, whether it is a director or a chief engineer, whether it is a project planning stage or a stage of RE facility effectively. Self-training will take too long - sometimes it takes years, therefore, such staff must be trained in universities.

The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan approved the operation, such staff must curriculum, competencies and issued a permit to implement this educational program. Graduates will be able to cope with both managerial and engineering tasks.

-          What is the vision of Kazakh-German University on the development of training in RE? How should the system be organized?

-          Now, KGU has a bachelor's degree program "Energy and Environmental Engineering”, which has been offered for more than eight years. The program is determined, on the one hand, by the framework conditions, a number of regulatory documents of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and on the other hand, by the content agreed upon with the partner university - the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences.

Thanks to these agreements, both parties recognize the learning outcomes and provide students with the opportunity to obtain a bachelor's degree in Germany and Kazakhstan.

"THE MAIN GOAL OF THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM «ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING» (EEE) IS TO TRAIN QUALIFIED SPECIALISTS IN THE FIELD OF POWER ENGINEERING AND ECOLOGY. "

The program is also aimed at developing an active life position, capabilities to work in a team and independently, as well as to take responsibility for the results.

The program focuses on production, distribution and consumption of heat and electrical energy, as well as the use of renewable energy sources for energy conservation and environmental protection.

The program was developed as a double-diploma program, therefore, the curriculum includes courses of partner universities, as well as an intensive language course.

The educational program includes courses in heat power engineering and electric power engineering (technical thermodynamics, main and auxiliary equipment of power plants, heat supply and power supply systems, etc.), energy saving (energy saving in energy sector and heat technology), ecology (ecology and sustainable development, waste processing and depositing, etc.), RE (methods of using solar and wind energy).

In 2019-2020, a new master's program was developed - Strategic Management of Renewable Energy Sector and Energy Efficiency.

- Kazakh-German University was established based on the agreement between the governments of Kazakhstan and Germany. Tell us how Germany trains specialists in RE, one of the most important economic sectors? Are there any special features? How can this experience be applied in our country and is your university planning to do it?

- In Germany, universities enjoy great academic freedom in terms of determining the direction and teaching methodology. This is also a valuable experience for universities in Kazakhstan - to be able to independently determine the content of academic programs, focusing on what the university considers important, if it can provide quality teaching of these subjects. In this case, a student can determine himself how useful it is for him or her.

In Germany, universities training specialists for the renewable energy sector and energy efficiency are more focused on providing students with practical experience. German universities closely cooperate with renewable energy companies. During their studies, students travel to RE facilities, get acquainted with real projects and companies. Also, universities in Germany have RE laboratories with equipment that meets the latest requirements.

In Germany those wishing to get a degree in RE have great choice: there are about 300 training programs.

The main modules of bachelor's programs are electrical engineering, physics and mathematics. In addition, students study hydropower and wind energy, biochemistry, microbiology, risk management, and undertake an internship. Bachelor's degrees in Regenerative Energy (Regenerative Energien) or Renewable Energy Management can be obtained from the Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences (FH Bielefeld), the Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences (Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt), the Stralsund University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Stralsund), the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences and the Munich University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg, HM), the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the Mannheim University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Mannheim) and many others.

For example, at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg), the International master's degree course in Renewable Energy Systems focuses on the technology and design of wind, solar and biofuel power plants, as well as systems for energy conversion and distribution. The course focuses on systems engineering. In addition, graduates learn process modeling techniques and can develop their business and management skills. The course consists of two semesters of theoretical and practical laboratory work and a six-month master's thesis, which is performed at an industrial enterprise.

HAW Hamburg has extensive teaching and research experience in renewable energy and energy efficiency. This covers various aspects of renewable power plants development - from solar energy to biofuels, biogas, wind turbines, fuel cells and smart grids - these are just a few of the study areas. Many energy research projects are carried on the basis of the University's Competence Center for Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency (CC4E) and the new Center for Energy Technology. In addition, Hamburg has a renewable energy cluster, frequently hosts international conferences and trade fairs on solar and wind energy, and is a key hub for European wind energy.

The master's program in Renewable Energy Systems - Environmental and Process Engineering - was created in 2009 and is respected by industrial enterprises in Germany and worldwide. Graduates have excellent career prospects in Germany and other countries.

At the Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences (Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt), the master's program in Renewable Energy Systems aims to equip graduates with the skills necessary to successfully plan, design and manage power systems. Graduates are equipped with knowledge and skills in renewable energy technologies and have the opportunity to increase their professional skills. The focus is not on individual technologies, but on the relationship between these technologies and the demand structure. Graduates should be able to work in an international work environment and successfully address intercultural issues.

Some modules of the curriculum are: Production- Oriented Energy Systems; Urban Energy Systems; Numerical Methods and Simulation Techniques; Energy Efficiency and Energy Management; Energy Policies and Markets, etc.

At the Technical University of Cologne (TH KOLN), the master's program in Renewable Energy Management provides a hands-on and skills-based learning experience in which students develop their critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. It is intended for holders of a bachelor's degree, mainly in engineering, natural and social sciences, with work experience in the energy sector, who are seeking to deepen their knowledge of renewable energy resource management and wish to acquire managerial and leadership skills as well as intercultural competencies. Graduates will have a solid knowledge base in one of many areas of renewable energy management. They will be able to evaluate renewable energy sources and develop appropriate solutions, taking into account complex links between renewable energy sources and economic, social and environmental aspects.

The overall goal of the master's program is to prepare professionals capable of working at an international and interdisciplinary level in companies and institutions, in the field of renewable energy management and, in particular, with a focus on Africa, Asia and Latin America where the need for the development of RE is especially high.

Due to the fact that most of the courses in energy and renewable energy at KGU are taught by professors from Germany, bachelor's and master's degree students are able to learn from Germany's experience in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

KGU is concluding cooperation agreements with companies from Kazakhstan and Germany, with universities in Kazakhstan, Germany and Central Asian countries to allow students to have useful internships and acquire skills that they will need in their future work.

There are solar panels from Germany installed on the roof of the university building to produce electricity and heat, and the equipment itself is in the RE laboratory. The laboratory has special training cases and other wind and solar energy demonstration equipment. Of course, any laboratory needs to expand its equipment base, and we keep working to increase the number of laboratory stands, installations closer to the amount of equipment in laboratories of German universities.

- How does Kazakh-German University use resources of sectoral competence centers in educational programs on RE?

-          KGU professors and students can undergo advanced training in partner universities in Germany. Students can obtain a double diploma.

There are several laboratories where students can consolidate theoretical knowledge and conduct practical classes (under Energy and Environmental Engineering program, for example).

In the physics laboratory, students can perform laboratory works (as part general physics course), both with laboratory stands and with the help of a computer, which are designed to study mechanical movements and thermodynamic processes, electric and magnetic fields, oscillations and waves, quantum phenomena, properties of semiconductors and semiconductor devices.

The laboratory equipment provides students with the possibility to verify basic physical laws and work with laboratory installations to develop skills necessary for solving practical problems in their future professional activity. The widespread introduction of scientific research into the laboratory work, undoubtedly, activates students' cognitive abilities. It also forms a research base for research work in senior years.

The renewable energy laboratory (Labor fur erneubare Energie) is a collection of equipment and installations to carry out practical and laboratory work under EEE program.

The renewable energy laboratory is used to:

-          demonstrate the capabilities of the equipment to produce electrical and thermal energy for electricity and heat supply of buildings.

-          carry out laboratory works in such courses as

Energy Management and Energy Saving, and Heat Power Systems and Energy Use”.

- carry out research work and use laboratory equipment for graduation thesis.

While working with the laboratory equipment, students develop such practical skills as the ability to work with a laboratory installation, measuring instruments, sensors; the ability to observe device operation, take readings, analyze them and draw conclusions; process results using computer programs; conduct scientific research.

For example, a solar power plant for converting solar energy into thermal energy, designed to heat drinking water and partially maintain heating. It consists of two solar collectors installed on the roof of the university building, a storage tank to accumulate hot water and a pumping unit for temperature control.

The “thermal house” is used to determine heat loss of various materials (wood, foam, glass, double glass) and to measure loss from various surfaces. The data obtained are processed using Ahlborn software.

 “Thermal house” and students carrying out laboratory work

TVS 200 EX thermal imager is used to determine heat loss. The thermal image is processed using the GORATEC software.

TESTO 175 T3 is used to monitor and record temperature in two areas simultaneously using two interfaces.

A mobile unit for measuring air temperature and pressure is used not only to determine the temperature and air pressure, but also to determine the wind speed in the room. With the help of various sensors, students get a general idea of the seasonal changes in environmental parameters.

A laboratory stand meant for work with a photovoltaic module determines the generated power of photovoltaic modules depending on the angle of a sunbeam, distance, and shade.

TES-1350A sound level meter offers the user optimum and high-quality sound level measurement, providing excellent reproducibility and accuracy along with compactness and ruggedness.

ALMEMO measuring system allows programming the parameters of the device for the most accurate measurements at a given frequency, for example, wind speed, air pressure and temperature.

A case with laboratory wind energy equipment allows 12 types of measurements.

A case with laboratory fuel cell equipment allows various types of measurements: gas volumes ratio, currentvoltage characteristics, degree of exposure, autonomous use, combination with laboratory wind energy equipment.

A weather station, which determines wind speed and direction, the amount of solar insolation, humidity and air temperature, precipitation. All data can be stored in digital format and processed using Ahlborn software.

Also, students can work in the laboratory for electrical engineering and electronics and the laboratory for environmental chemistry.

Photovoltaic power plant for converting solar energy into electrical energy.

With the support from the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, a double-degree program in Energy and Environmental Engineering is being implemented, based on a cooperation agreement signed on June 30, 2011. Students can study under the double degree program after the 3^rd academic year. In addition, students can study at a partner university under the ERASMUS + program during one semester.

-          Kazakh-German University is launching a master's program «Strategic Management in Renewable Energy Sector». Please tell us about the program. How will it be organized? What are the admission requirements? What kind of specialists will the labor market receive - engineers or managers?

-          The master's program is coordinated with partner universities in Germany. In addition to a focus on strategic management, it also aims to contribute to the implementation of the state policy in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries, since it is assumed that this educational program, like KGU's program on integrated water resources management, will be further open for training students from all countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan.

In developing this program (determining content and competences), the university cooperates with enterprises and businesses so that the new educational program meets their needs.

The purpose of the educational program «Strategic Management of Renewable Energy Sector» is to train highly qualified specialists capable of managing renewable energy facilities, having skills in strategic and innovative management, improving energy saving and energy efficiency of energy grids and decentralized renewable energy facilities, using advanced economic and management approaches.

The master's program will contribute to promoting sustainable energy in Kazakhstan and climate change mitigation and adaptation through practice-oriented learning under which master's students can acquire necessary skills, methods and knowledge to achieve this goal. In addition, even stronger partnership will be established with German universities, which will transfer their approaches, knowledge and experience.

The educational program is structured in such a way that master's students study a wide range of economic and technical disciplines. In addition, much attention is paid to the methodology of scientific research and management.

Students can benefit from the opportunity to be taught by German professors and senior lecturers, highly qualified specialists, as well as have an internship both in Kazakhstan and in Germany.

The master's program can be attended only by holders of bachelor's degree in Engineering and Technology, as well as engineers.

After completing a theoretical course and successfully defending a master thesis, a master's student receives a diploma (7M04119 Strategic Management of Renewable Energy Sector and Energy Efficiency). This indicates that a graduate has received in-depth knowledge of the chosen area and gives him the opportunity to enroll in a PhD program. The training equips students with skills to manage renewable energy sector and energy efficiency, knowledge of planning renewable energy systems, developing measures to improve the energy efficiency of energy equipment, and makes them proficient in modern information technologies.

The Department of Renewable Energy under the Ministry of Energy of the Republic represented by Ainur Sospanova and Solar Power Association of Qazaqstan have provided and continue to provide significant assistance in the process of agreeing the competence of graduates and in discussing the content of the program.

Several fruitful meetings were also held with the Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications and Satpayev University, which are also interested in developing this area further.

Kazakh-German University also cooperates with the USAID Power the Future Regional Program on the development of distance learning and capacity building programs for students and specialists wishing to improve their qualifications in solar and wind energy.

- As it is known, there is a significant difference between skills needed in solar, wind and hydropower industry. Will your program take this into account? After all, perhaps, it is not possible to train a “universal soldier”?

-          Yes, you can't train a "universal soldier”. However, the master's program provides equal amount of training in solar, wind and hydropower. A master's student receives basic knowledge that allows him or her to make calculations using software, choose appropriate equipment, assess energy potential of renewable energy resources, conduct a technical and economic analysis of the designed facilities. The competencies acquired during the master's degree study allow a master's student to become a specialist in any of these areas.

-          What about the development of RE research?

-          Scientific research is still developing. KGU establishes contacts with universities and research centers. If we talk about sciences directly related to RE operation, in Kazakhstan a fairly large number of researchers are engaged in this area. However,

it must be taken into account that for a RE facility to operate effectively, it must be equipped with modern technologies, and, in addition to servicing such facilities, they must be constantly modernized and improved in order to keep up with global trends, and it is scientific research that is responsible for the improvement and development of such technologies.

Nonetheless, it should be noted that Kazakhstani scientists are engaged in research of very different and differing renewable energy technologies. Meanwhile, a specific RE facility uses a specific technology. Moreover, since Kazakhstan does not have a developed RE production, the supply of components to renewable energy facilities mainly comes from abroad. That is, in order for our local developments to be used at renewable energy facilities, it is necessary for these developments to be outstanding, innovative and recognized by international scientific community.

It should be also added that leading renewable energy technology producers certainly have their own research groups, whose developments are, firstly, a commercial secret, and secondly, they are well applicable only for the equipment used by this company. All this means that in order for our local developments to be effectively used, it is necessary to have developed production, factories, and scientific developments to be carried out. In this case, even a slight improvement in technology or innovation will improve a RE facility.

-          How can the private sector be involved in the KGU's academic program? Are there any difficulties for graduates to find employment?

- During the first semester of master's studies, a master student chooses a topic for research work and a master's thesis. This includes identification of pressing research problems, their solution and practical application. Research can be carried out at a private enterprise. A master student can choose the place him/ herself or choose from a list of enterprises which have agreements with the university. KGU concluded agreements with such organizations as Solar Power Association of Qazaqstan, NAC Kazatomprom JSC, and the Kazakh Research Institute of Power Engineering named after Sh. Ch. Chokin. The university develops partnership with universities of Central Asia: KSTU named after I. Razzakov, Tashkent State Technical University named after Islam Karimov, Tajik Technical University named after academician M. S. Osimi.

Our graduates will not face difficulties in finding employment. Firstly, there are no specialists in the field of renewable energy management and energy efficiency in Kazakhstan. There is no master's degree program like this one, only individual departments. According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Kazakhstan, renewable energy engineers are in high demand. What is more, our graduates gain experience in the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency from German professors, which also makes them sought-after candidates.

- Thank you for the interview