'I want to work on the whole picture to make the world more sustainable'
"During my former education, I liked the energy subjects the most. Because I want to help make the world more sustainable, Sustainable Energy Technology is the perfect master's programme for me. You don't only learn about the technology, but you also get to see the whole picture and find out what is necessary and possible on a social and economic level.
Do a pre-master first
I first had to complete a pre-master's course, because I had come from the Saxion University of Applied Sciences. I took a lot of basic theoretical subjects and had to deal with a higher level of work than I was used to. The pre-master is tough and takes a lot of time, but with good motivation, interest and the right attitude, you can get through it. It was good preparation for my master's.
More than technology
This master teaches you that it is about more than technique. Sustainable techniques are only successful if they can also be implemented. During a project, I investigated with a fellow student why a promising sustainable energy technique had not yet been successfully marketed. The technology turned out to be fine, but it lacked an investor and large-scale production facilities.
I find it interesting to investigate how new energy techniques can be applied in the right way. During my graduation project, I am working on an alternative plan for the regional energy strategy for the municipality of Hengelo. They want to make the electricity supply more sustainable based on a different vision, namely with low wind turbines, solar panels on roofs and solar car parks. The idea of these plans originates from what is acceptable to the inhabitants. From that starting point, the best technical and economic solution is examined, instead of first looking at what is technically possible and only then at whether it is socially acceptable. My role in this is to work out these plans in collaboration and to compare and validate them against the plans that the municipality has previously devised on a technical, social and economic level.
The future
After my graduation, I want to continue working on the energy transition by coming up with sustainable energy solutions that are not only technically feasible, but fit in with society as well. Where that will be, I don't know yet. I am looking at my options and discussing them with fellow students."