2016 Press Releases
UCC Sustainable Energy graduate wins EirGrid Prize
Xiufeng Yue has been named UCC’s top Masters graduate in Sustainable Energy by EirGrid.
The operator of the national electricity grid honoured Xiufeng, who achieved the highest overall mark in UCC’s MEngSc in Sustainable Energy 2014 – 2015, with a €1,500 award at its National Control Centre in Dublin.
Xiufeng, from Dalian, China, was presented with the prize by Jonathan O’Sullivan, Innovation Manager at EirGrid. O’Sullivan commented: “Xiufeng and his colleagues at UCC’s School of Engineering represent the next generation of Ireland’s engineers, who will continue to grow our knowledge economy and assist us in addressing the challenges faced by the energy system as we move towards a low carbon future.”
Having completed the programme, Xiufeng is currently undertaking a PhD doctoral programme of research in UCC’s Environmental Research Institute. It forms part of the NTR Foundation – SFI funded MaREI project Our 2050 Project Opportunities for Ireland in a Low Carbon Economy.
Xiufeng’s thesis examined the Incorporation of Risk into the Exceedence Techno-Economic Model. The project explored how to improve a techno-financial marine renewable energy tool software tool that’s used to assess the feasibility of wave, tidal and offshore wind projects by incorporating quantitative risk analysis techniques.
Professor Brian Ó Gallachóir, Director of UCC’s Masters in Sustainable Energy congratulated Xiufeng, “who is very deserving of this prize. He performed consistently well in our programme, excelling both in exams and in his research work.
“I am delighted he has chosen to remain in UCC and to carry out a PhD with me on the opportunities for Ireland in a low carbon economy. I commend EirGrid for continuing to recognise excellence in innovation by awarding a prize each year to our top graduate.”
UCC’s School of Engineering taught MEngSc Programme in Sustainable Energy is now in its 11th year and continues to attract considerable interest, both from applicants wishing to participate and from employers looking for suitably trained staff. It was the first such programme in Ireland and built on UCC’s considerable and impactful research activity in sustainable energy engineering.
A core element of the programme is industry involvement, with guest lectures to the programme including representatives from companies including EirGrid, Bord Gais Energy, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and Ervia.
The first EirGrid prize for the top graduate was awarded in 2005 – 2006, when the taught programme was in its first year.
This annual EirGrid prize awarded to the top graduate of UCC’s Masters Programme in Sustainable Energy demonstrates the strong engagement of UCC with industry and EirGrid’s commitment to excellence. This year it recognises and applauds Xiufeng’s hard work and achievement.
Check out the details on UCC's Masters in Engineering Science in Sustainable Energy.