Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and the University of Sussex in England have partnered to share knowledge, undertake research and provide students with work placement opportunities.
The Sussex Energy Group (SEG) has become the first university-based research group to form a partnership with GWEC to support the development of the wind sector.
The partnership includes annual work placements for University of Sussex Business School MSc Energy Policy students, study tours to wind energy sites, data-sharing and collaboration on joint research papers on policy priorities for the clean energy transition, and inclusion of GWEC’s CEO Ben Backwell on the SEG board.
Marie Claire Brisbois, lecturer in energy policy at the University of Sussex Business School and co-director of the SEG said: “We’re absolutely delighted at SEG to have come together with the Global Wind Energy Council to form this unique partnership.
“This will open up new opportunities for research and impact, and allow our MSc Energy Policy students to gain industry experience and insight through internships and interactions with GWEC.”
GWEC has its UK headquarters and TV studio at Shoreham Port in Sussex, creating greater opportunities for engagement and cooperation.
Sankara Cinthadiliaga, a University of Sussex Business School MSc Energy Policy student and selected participant of GWEC’s work placement programme in 2021, said: “I am finding this internship is valuable for me because I am getting the opportunity to broaden my network and in working with a wind energy expert, I am gaining valuable insights into processes in this industry.