Published at 10:38, Saturday, 18 February 2012

UNIVERSITY of Cumbria energy course has gone global.

ON COURSE: Rob Rimmer heads up the Energy Coast Campus in the Energus building in Lillyhall, Workington TOM KAY REF: 50005289T003

The sustainable energy technology degree, delivered in partnership with Gen II, is attracting students and lecturers from across the world.

Delivered at Britain’s Energy Coast Campus, at the Energus facility, Lillyhall, the course has welcomed students from Romania and Nigeria who are joined by lecturers from Northern Ireland and Greece.

It is designed to produce the next generation of engineers who will contribute to solving global energy challenges and play a key role in the move to a low carbon economy.

University of Cumbria lecturer Patrick Quinlan moved to the area from County Antrim in Northern Ireland, having completed his doctorate in solar energy.

He said: “I’m passionate about renewable energies and I want to expand the knowledge base of the next generation of West Cumbrian engineers. My vision is to ensure that Cumbria maximises the benefits of the future sustainable energy revolution.

“Only a few weeks ago we welcomed a new lecturer to the course, Victor Kouloumpis, originally from Greece.”

Mihai Luca, 18, who came from Romania to study in West Cumbria, said: “I know I will be able to put these skills to good use when I return to Romania after my degree. In fact, I’m sure there will be opportunities in many countries, as everyone will need to start producing energy in a more sustainable way.”

Another student, Nigerian-born Oluseun Durowoju, moved to Cumbria with his Austrian wife and two children to enrol on the course.

In addition to Mihai and Olu, 14 Cumbrian students have taken up places on the course.

One of them, Lisa Moore, who lives near Wigton, has returned to study after taking a career break to raise her children.

She said: “I studied engineering at HNC level after leaving school and it’s a real bonus to be able to return to complete this degree at a local university now I have a family to consider.

“I’m particularly excited by the focus on renewable energy, especially as this industry is already so well represented in West Cumbria.”

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk