Course Type: Flavour School
Duration: Total workload 44–55 hours — Synchronous online: 7–10h · On-site (physical mobility): 30h · Independent and group work: 7–10h
Dates: Online component — 1–2 October · On-site component — 5–9 October, Villach, Austria
Credits: 1.5–2 ECTS
The goal of this course is to educate students about topics related to renewable energy infrastructure and how it conflicts with nature conservation objectives. As part of the European Green Deal, the EU aims to be carbon neutral by 2050. This increase in infrastructure development and land-use pressure will inevitably impact nature. Examples of this conflict include hydropower plants preventing fish migration, birds and bats colliding into windmills, and grid expansion affecting sensitive biotopes and habitats.
Application deadline
Lead and Host Institution: Carinthia University of Applied Sciences — Evan Vincent
Partner Institutions: Lithuania University of Applied Engineering Sciences — Egidijus Kasiulis
External stakeholders: Verbund, APG (Austrian Power Grid)
The goal of this course is to educate students about topics related to renewable energy infrastructure and how it conflicts with nature conservation objectives. As part of the European Green Deal, the EU aims to be carbon neutral by 2050. Transitioning to renewable energy will be one of the main focuses in achieving this ambitious but necessary goal. This increase in infrastructure development and land-use pressure will inevitably impact nature. Our goal as planners, engineers, conservationists, and citizens is to work together to mitigate these impacts so that our goal of becoming carbon neutral doesn’t outweigh our obligation to preserve and protect species, habitats, and the ecosystem services that they provide us with. Examples of this conflict include hydropower plants preventing fish migration, birds and bats colliding into windmills, and grid expansion affecting sensitive biotopes and habitats.
Online sessions: Ace Rookies MOOC completion. Introduction to the Participants: Background of lecturers and students. Introduction to the course: Key concepts. Course agenda. Knowledge-Base: What do students currently know about the topic. Guiding Questions and discussions in smaller groups.
Onsite sessions:
Theory — Learn about case studies that are representative examples of this conflict in Europe. Location: FH Kärnten, Oct. 5.
Fieldwork — Excursions to hydropower plants, windmills, and other sites that highlight conflicts and opportunities. Location: Various sites in Carinthia, Oct 6–7.
Challenge-based or project work — Workshops focusing on the dilemma between renewable energy expansion and conservation of habitat and species. Location: FH Kärnten, Oct. 8.
Final Presentations — Groups deliver a presentation highlighting the outcome of their solution-oriented workshop. Location: FH Kärnten, Oct. 9.
Follow-up / reflection: Online reflection activities addressing the course content, structure, and overall experience will be due at the end of the course. This helps students understand how learning is consolidated after the on-site phase.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Level: Undergraduate. Fields: Engineering, Architecture, Ecology, Environmental Policy.
This course may be suitable for those interested in combining engineering with ecology and creating public policy that address these topics. Anybody who feels like they can contribute to this theme from a different educational background or is just generally interested in learning about the topic is warmly invited to participate!
Recommended Language Level: English B1–B2. This is mandatory, as English is the working language of ACE²-EU courses.
