Training at the Geothermal Training Programme of the United Nations University in
Iceland (UNU-GTP)

Project facts

Project promoter:
Ministry of National Development
Project Number:
HU03-0007
Target groups
Associations and representatives of associations involved in higher education, including relevant student, university, and teacher/trainer associations
Status:
Completed
Initial project cost:
€190,000
Final project cost:
€188,676
From EEA Grants:
€ 160,375
The project is carried out in:
KÖZÉP-MAGYARORSZÁG

Description

In line with the EU common objectives, the national renewable energy target of reaching 14,65% in the final energy consumption by 2020 as well as the reduction of GHG emissions by 20% are defined in the Hungarian National Energy Strategy 2030, the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan, the National Building Energy Efficiency Strategy and National Renewable Energy Action Plan 2010-2020. The purpose project is to provide scholarships for 6 Hungarians to be able to participate at the 6 month long postgraduate Geothermal Training Programme of the United Nations University in Reykjavík, Iceland in the spring semester between 19 April and 10 October 2016. The Project Partner is the National Energy Authority of Iceland, who makes the final decision on the fellows and who is responsible for all activities and arrangements in connection with the training. The scholarship covers all costs of the training as well as travel and stay. Beneficiaries are native Hungarians with relevant degrees in science, engineering or economics and if possible, they have professional experience in the field of geothermal energy, they are from any relevant institutions, universities or companies, or are in the process or have recently completed relevant university studies. The training programme provides scientific knowledge and practical know-how related to the generation and execution of geothermal energy related projects in their home countries. It focuses on three study lines, namely geothermal energy related engineering, science and management and finance. In the last 2 month period of the training, fellows execute an individual research project, which concludes with an extensive research project report under a close supervision of an expert in the field of study and ends with the preparation of a thesis or case study, which will be published in the annual book of the United Nations University with an international publishing code ISBN 9979.

Summary of project results

The project enabled six Hungarian participants to study at the special training course called Geothermal Training Programme of the United Nations University in Reykjavík, Iceland with a support of HUF 57.7 million, with a grant rate of 100%. The scholarship covered the total cost of the fellows including travel, subsistence expenses and all costs associated with training. The donor project partner was the National Energy Authority of Iceland (Orkustofnun). The six-month postgraduate training course providing theoretical and practical knowledge aims to provide fundamental professional knowledge for the design and implementation of projects focusing on the utilization of geothermal energy in Hungary. Since the beginning of the training program in 1979, there were more than 600 students from 101 countries. The participants of the training have acquired scientific, engineering and management knowledge necessary for the use and utilization of geothermal energy, among others in connection with exploration of geothermal resources, geothermal well drilling technology, geothermal energy utilization methods and crucial technical information; furthermore, they also got acquainted with the institutional background, power plants and projects. The geothermal power of Hungary is very favourable, far above the world average. Use and utilization of geothermal energy in Hungary is of utmost importance, thus it is indispensable for our experts to acquire and utilize the related knowledge and experience. We are proud to report that according to the training director Lúdvík Georgsson, all six Hungarian participants successfully completed the program at an especially outstanding level.

Summary of bilateral results

The involved donor project partner, United Nations University Geothermal Traning Programme (UNU-GTP)/Orkustofnun (OS) staff were participated in the implementation of the project. Thanks to this cooperation 6 Hungarian students had the opportunity to participate on the fascinating training provided by the UNU-GTP in Iceland. During the implementation of the project the participants established great cooperation and discussed on opportunities of further cooperation, e.g. preparation and implementation of joint international projects. Improved knowledge and understanding were the main achievements on bilateral level. Bilateral fund did not involve and contribute to strengthening bilateral relations at this project.