Statkraft announces Energy Engineering Scholarships at UCC

17 Nov 2021

Statkraft, Europe’s largest renewable energy producer, has announced it will fund three scholarships for students of the Honours Bachelor of Energy Engineering degree at UCC.

The company, which has its Irish base in Cork, will donate €18,000 to support the university’s top Energy Engineering undergraduate students for a period of three years, commencing this academic year. Each successful student will receive a bursary of €2,000.

Statkraft, Europe’s largest renewable energy producer, has announced it will fund three scholarships for students of the Honours Bachelor of Energy Engineering degree at UCC.

The company, which has its Irish base in Cork, will donate €18,000 to support the university’s top Energy Engineering undergraduate students for a period of three years, commencing this academic year. Each successful student will receive a bursary of €2,000.

Announcing the scholarship, Kevin O’Donovan, Statkraft’s Managing Director in Ireland, said:

“I am really delighted to be launching this partnership with UCC Energy Engineering. Renewable energy isn’t just part of the solution to climate change, it is the solution. The graduates of Energy Engineering are going to be the ones who are leading the way towards a clean, green, carbon-free society. And quite simply, Statkraft wants to play its part in supporting those trailblazers of the future.”

“This initiative is one that is close to my heart, as I’m a UCC Engineering graduate myself, but it’s also a very worthwhile and meaningful initiative for Statkraft. Investing in people, and their talents, is a key priority for us and I hope to be working alongside many of these students when they are ready to join the renewable energy workforce,” O’Donovan concluded.

Speaking about the sponsorship, Professor Sarah Culloty, UCC’s Head of College of Science, Engineering and Food Science said:

“We are incredibly grateful to Statkraft for this generous gift which will facilitate the development and empowerment of future leaders in sustainability through energy engineering. At the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, we are developing innovative solutions that will assist in our transition to a low carbon economy. Our graduates have the skills and attributes necessary to play their role in supporting a sustainable and environmentally responsible society”.

Professor Jorge Oliveira, Head of UCC’s School of Engineering and Architecture, added:

“In an era of unprecedented pressure on resources, energy engineering is crucial to address some of the world's greatest challenges. Statkraft has been supporting our Energy Engineering programme to strengthen our ability to ensure that students develop the skills necessary to meet the world's present and long-term energy needs. We are very pleased to partner for this further initiative for the benefit of our students”.

The partnership is seen as a valuable one for both Statkraft’s and UCC, as it strengthens their respective leadership positions in the sustainable energy sector in Ireland. It demonstrates the impact of corporate philanthropy in enabling the university to advance its sustainability goals, while enhancing the student experience and improving graduate employability prospects.

Pictured above L-R: Florrie McCarthy, 2nd year student rep, Energy Engineering; Cal Healy, Alumni and Development, UCC; Christina Fox, Statkraft Ireland, Kevin O’Donovan, Statkraft Ireland; Professor Sarah Culloty, Head of College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, UCC; Professor Jorge Oliveira, Head of School of Engineering and Architecture, UCC; Dr Dominic O’Sullivan, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UCC; Kate O’Callaghan, 3rd year student rep, Energy Engineering.

About Statkraft

Statkraft is a leading company in hydropower internationally and Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy. The Group produces hydropower, wind power, solar power, gas-fired power and supplies district heating. Statkraft is a global company in energy market operations. Statkraft has 4,600 employees in 18 countries.

In Ireland, Statkraft develops, owns and operates renewable energy and is at the forefront of producing a diverse range of renewable technologies. It is building the largest solar farm in the country, has developed two of the first large-scale battery projects and is aiming to build one of the very first offshore wind farms. It is leading player in the sector, having won the most capacity of any renewable developer in the Government’s most recent renewable energy support auction.

Energy Engineering

The Honours Bachelor of Energy Engineering degree offers a solid foundation in engineering, before moving to a greater focus on areas such as electrical generation and distribution, automation, building design, transport and energy policy and modelling. Progressing to the Integrated Masters degree in a 5th year further strengthens practical and creative ability, including an extended 8-month work placement and a minor research dissertation. UCC qualifications in this area prepare graduates for a wide range of roles, with the opportunity to make a difference to the world by challenging traditional practices with a new focus on energy and sustainability.