Tallinn University of Technology and Elering Signed an Agreement to Improve Energy-Related Skills

On 25 October, rector of Tallinn University of Technology Andres Keevallik and Elering CEO Taavi Veskimägi signed a joint letter of intent to establish training for power engineers on the basis of bilateral research and development, and to raise public awareness of energy issues.

Given the changes taking place in the energy industry both globally and within Estonia, it is important to integrate academic knowledge more fully into practical experience of the management of energy systems. Research into ways of managing electricity consumption more efficiently, socio-economic analysis of various development scenarios for the energy industry and improvements in the functioning of electricity and gas markets through modelling will be major activities within the framework of the agreement in 2012.

“Working with Elering is useful for the university in many ways. It will give us relevant inputs for the learning process, and help in educating power engineers and in raising public awareness of the energy industry. Equally we will bring the developments and development needs of the company into the university’s research work,” said Tea Varrak, Director General of the Innovation and Business Centre of Tallinn University of Technology. 
Taavi Veskimägi, the CEO of Elering added that the deepening of the partnership with Tallinn University of Technology is a key building block in setting up a centre of excellence for the energy sector in Elering. Such a centre would be the best way to run a network for cooperation, raising the general awareness of the energy sector and leading practical research in the industry. “This agreement confirms our cooperation so far and gives us a clear framework for working together,” said Veskimägi.

The centre of excellence project will cover applied research and development projects, which are needed in order for the security of the energy supply to be improved. To maintain and deepen awareness of the energy industry in Estonia, Elering and the university will contribute to the training of power engineers with an apprenticeship programme in Elering, training in energy subjects for Elering staff in Tallinn University of Technology with university lecturers, and the involvement of company staff in the teaching process. Scholarships and grants will also be paid for doctoral students writing their theses on energy or related subjects.

Elering is the Estonian Transmission System Operator, whose main duty is to ensure high-quality supplies of electricity to consumers at all times. To achieve security of supply, Elering maintains and develops the national transmission grid and international connections. Elering controls the Estonian electricity system in real time, ensuring the operation of the transmission network, and the balance between production and consumption.

The joint statement of intent can be found here (only in Estonian).