Renewable Energy Engineering - Bachelor's study program

The changes associated with the energy transition also pose challenges for distribution networks. At Netze BW, I am the project manager for the joint research project "flexQgrid," in which we, together with eight other partners from industry and academia, are developing a solution to these challenges. In this process, we don’t just develop a concept; we also test our solution in real-world network operations with field participants – making the grid of the future a reality. My responsibilities are diverse: They range from content discussions and concept development to coordinating the various work packages, communicating with the funding agency and the field test community, as well as overseeing controlling and project communications.

The transport sector in Stuttgart is responsible for about 14 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions. Electrifying delivery traffic offers the opportunity to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and noise in urban areas. In my doctoral research, I investigate how e-trucks can be efficiently integrated into our energy system. For this, the timing and charging requirements of the e-truck fleets must be analyzed in detail. These studies help to identify network bottlenecks early and plan the necessary charging infrastructure.

Digitalization and Industry 4.0 are defining developments of our time. Energy technology, and thus the energy transition, are also part of this. I work at Vattenfall as a Data Engineer in the wind power sector, shaping the digital operation and maintenance of the onshore and offshore fleet from the ground up. In addition to software development, my work focuses primarily on digital solutions for traditional engineering problems. Defining problems, developing solution approaches, and concept development and optimization are part of my daily work.

High-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission plays a key role in integrating renewable energy producers into the power grid – examples include connecting offshore wind farms or expanding the German transmission network through several north-south connections. At Siemens Energy, I am responsible as a subproject manager for the system design of the HVDC converter stations of one of these north-south connections. In this work, practically all the content taught during my studies comes into play, whether in performing my own calculations or in collaborating with colleagues from other disciplines.

The energy transition is progressing, and investments in power grids are required to support it. Decisions made today in this context have long-term impacts. Striking a balance between costs and technical requirements, I work as an engineer on guidelines and strategies in the Technical Asset Management department at Netze BW. This role allows me to actively contribute to shaping the power grids of the future. The broad scope of the study program allowed me to acquire not only technical knowledge but also knowledge of energy economics. This now helps me in my daily work.

Vestas is the global market leader in wind turbines. I am the regional representative for product management and responsible for the technical solutions in the sales process. This means that, as an engineer, I design the wind turbine to meet the customers’ requirements. This includes technical optimization, specification of customized solutions, and advice on emission protection, as well as contract negotiations. The study program, with its diverse specializations, well-established partner institutes, and international exchange programs, provided a strong starting point for my chosen career path.

I work as a project manager at sbp sonne GmbH. In this role, I act as a link between programming, structural calculations, research, and execution planning for solar thermal projects. This all-rounder role is built on a broad foundation from my studies, which included both power plant technology and mechanical engineering subjects. As a licensor for parabolic trough and solar tower technologies, as well as many other engineering services, sbp provides the know-how for concentrated solar thermal technologies. Especially in developing countries, these technologies offer excellent opportunities for energy autonomy and grid stability, independent of fossil fuels and can be produced with local industrial partners.