Transforming the energy sector with innovative systems

Prof. Marcus Rehm has headed the Institute for Energy Systems and Energy Business at Hochschule Ruhr West - University of Applied Sciences (HRW) since October 2009. This institute fulfils two important tasks for the university: applied research and teaching.

The Industrial Engineering – Energy Business degree programme was launched at the start of HRW's first winter semester 2009/2010. This programme has close links with the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Ruhr region.

Research profile
More energy is converted and used in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) than in any other federal state and due to the longstanding use of natural resources (hard coal and lignite), a high level of expertise in energy systems has developed in NRW. This is also true for renewable energies. In spite or perhaps because of this, the energy industry is undergoing a radical transformation. Consequently, the institute's key area of research is innovative energy systems and decentralised energy technology. The goal is to increase the share of renewable energies.

Interdisciplinary collaboration
Professors and research assistants in the institute offer qualified and practice-based instruction. In addition to the basics of energy technology and systems, the programme includes in-depth study of subjects such as renewable energies, power plant technology and energy economics. The courses not only handle theory, but also current topics relating to the changing energy industry.