Total, ParisTech and Ecole Polytechnique are introducing the Renewable Energy Science & Technology Master II postgraduate degree program in fall 2011, with the backing of French electric utility EDF, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Saint-Gobain and Schneider Electric.

Offering best-in-class instruction and coordinated by Ecole Polytechnique engineering school, the degree program is open to engineering, mechanics and physics graduates from the world’s leading universities. Around 40 students a year will further their education in the areas of renewable energy production, storage and distribution for careers in industry and research.

Built around major renewable energy disciplines — photovoltaics and wind and water energy, grids and storage solutions — the program leverages the academic excellence of ten ParisTech schools1 and the expertise of internationally respected business partners.

“ParisTech is contributing the skills of its top lecturers and experts to this cutting edge program, as well as world-class research laboratories,” says Cyrille van Effenterre, President of ParisTech. “To more effectively meet the needs of industry and the social challenges associated with energy issues, ParisTech has brought in internationally renowned businesses as partners.”

“Through our participation in this program, Total is helping the world prepare for the future, by producing qualified experts capable of adapting to new energy and environmental issues,” says Philippe Boisseau, President of Gas & Power at Total. “Our leading edge expertise in renewable energy, our international reach and our in-depth involvement in the program, combined with the strong support of the other businesses involved, offer graduates a multitude of career opportunities in both the academic world and in industry.”

With an assertively international outlook, “Renewable Energy Science & Technology” is one of the Master degree programs selected by the KIC2 InnoEnergy alliance, an EU initiative to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Europe. As such, graduates will benefit by earning a European diploma. Several Chinese students from the China-EU Institute for Clean and Renewable Energy (ICARE) will also enroll in the program to earn double master’s degrees.

Tags: Total