In the framework of TwInSolar, a European project aiming at strengthening the research on solar energy to support the acceleration of the energy transition in La Reunion, 13 researchers from the University of La Reunion were welcomed by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), one of the top research centers for renewable energies at European level.
Maxime (left) and Iltrice (right)
In addition to visiting innovative solar and wind energy facilities, researchers from the University of La Reunion presented their research and exchanged with their counterparts from Fraunhofer ISE (Germany), DTU, and the University of French Guiana.
This tight partnership between the University of La Reunion and DTU also enabled Maxime and Iltrice, both Master students at the ESIROI school of engineering in La Reunion, to spend 4 months in Denmark for their internships. For Maxime, this is the opportunity to “bring his contribution to face the challenges of climate change”, while Iltrice wishes to “use this fruitful experience in Denmark to develop projects in La Reunion”. In the framework of the project, two other Master students benefit from a joint French and Danish supervision.
With a 1,48 million euros budget, TwInSolar is funded by the European Commission through the Horizon Europe programme. Led by the University of La Reunion, this twinning project aims at bridging the research gaps on solar energy to accelerate the energy transition in La Reunion. Capacity building activities will increase the participation of the University of La Reunion in European research projects.
La Reunion’s experience in solar energy represents an inspiring case study for other insular and Outermost regions which might face the same challenges in their energy transition. Through workshops and events, the CPMR Islands Commission and Nexa will ensure the wide dissemination of these best practices at regional and European levels.
Through TwInSolar, the CPMR Islands Commission engage alongside its member region, La Reunion, to demonstrate the potential for islands to be pioneers in the green transition, thanks to their commitment in the development of sustainable and renewable sources of energy.
Further information as well as future initiatives of the project can be found on the project website: www.twinsolar.eu and contacting Claire Helly, Project officer: claire.helly@crpm.org
A delegation composed of researchers from the University of La Reunion, Germany and French Guiana were welcomed by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), in the framework of a week of scientific exchanges on renewable energies.