Fostering Renewable energy technologies and energy Efficiency knowledge towards near Zero Energy Buildings of engineers and professionals in western Balkan Countries

ongoing

The Project is cooperation between University of Castilla-La Mancha-UCLM (Coordinator, Spain), University eCampus-UEC (Italy), Neapolis University Pafos-NUP (Cyprus), four Universities in Western Balkan Countries: European University of Tirana-UET and Polis University from Albania-U_POLIS, Universum College-UC and International Business College Mitrovica-IBC-M from Kosovo, and one VET institute, the Professional College of Tirana-KPT also, from Albania. In general, energy performance of buildings in Western Balkan Countries is lower than the required EU standards and energy production is based on fossil fuels, thus greatly contributing to air pollution. However, they have much-untapped potential for Renewable Energy use which could assure a more secure and cost-competitive national energy supply system in line with EU energy and climate vision. Tackling this burning issue requires a new type of professionals with stronger background on clean technologies and energy efficiency for achieving near zero energy buildings. Therefore, the current content of modules and teaching methods used in partner Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) must undergo into a deep modernisation process with inputs from EU Universities and in collaboration with experts in the broad field of Engineering. Hence, the project aims at the modernisation of curricula on the application of efficient energy systems in buildings, which includes enhancing existing and application of new learning and teaching tools, methodologies and pedagogical approaches. This will involve modernisation of learning outcomes and ICT based practices. At least 25 modules will go through modernization, of which at least 5 new modules created, in the topic of Renewable Energy Technologies and Management and Energy Efficiency in Buildings in all 5 HEIs. Additionally, cooperation with local companies and authorities will be supported through encouraging internships of students and joint industrial and research projects.