Renewable energy is highly important for the future economy in the partner countries in the Balkan region with limited energy resources in a growing economy and with the related environmental problems. The wider objective of the project is therefore the reform of the studies in the five partner universities in the field of renewable energy. Thereby existing studies are upgraded and new Master studies introduced, which are covering the whole field of renewable energy. Additionally and in parallel new PhD studies in renewable energy are developed under special consideration of the specific and combined aspects of energy, economy and ecology.

The specific project objectives are the establishment of new M. Sc. and PhD studies on renewable energy including the knowledge transfer on scientific reporting and peer reviewed publishing for PhD students and academic staff. The new M.Sc. and PhD studies are basis for the creation of a network of national and international universities and industry. In analogy to very effective solutions in Germany an essential part of the project is the introduction of new funding support system for innovative doctorates in a network of ministries, industry and universities.

Based on analysis of the Western as well as Eastern structures of M. Sc. and PhD studies the new study programs and regulations are developed, the study programs implemented and accredited, the equipment and literature improved, staff skills updated and students trained. Eastern and Western students are integrated. The Steering Committee is responsible for all topics of the project assisted by working groups for the development of the new studies and for the quality control and monitoring.

The consortium covers all aspects of renewable energy –West: U Hohenheim, U Stuttgart, BLE (DE), BOKU (AT), Bratislava (SK) and Sofia (BG). East: Agricultural and the Polytechnic University Tirana (AL), University of Montenegro(ME), University of Zenica and Mostar (BA).