University of Cyprus strategically placed in photovoltaics research
By teaming up with the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), the EU-funded TwinPV project set out to “bring UCY up to par with renowned PV research institutions while reversing Cyprus’ R&I performance,” says coordinator Prof. George Georghiou. “We enhanced the quality of UCY’s R&I outcomes, and strengthened its networking, participation and success rates in research funding bids.” The project also helped bridge the gap between academia and industry, and reinforced research links between the EU and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. TwinPV performed a scientific audit to develop a long-term strategy for FOSS that covers personnel, research, education and service. This input allowed AIT and DTU to refine the strategy. Putting Cyprus on the R&I map in Europe and beyond Collaboration with AIT and DTU, together with capacity building mainly through young researcher hires, increased publications by more than 100 %. Papers published in high-impact journals increased significantly, too. The number of successful proposals and the amount of funding UCY attracted rose by over 150 %. AIT and DTU facilitated cooperation between Cyprus and the European industry. Various activities and events introduced FOSS’ actions to these industry contacts. Consequently, the funding received from proposals involving key industry connections grew considerably. The two partner institutions also boosted FOSS’s visibility at influential networking fora. Researchers, doctoral students and industry stakeholders from across Europe and MENA participated in extensive training, PhD summer schools and thematic workshops. The training was the catalyst for further research, with results presented at international conferences. The intensive thematic workshops and networking with Cypriot industry took place regularly. Workshop topics ranged from fundamentals, emerging technologies, smart grids and network integration to funding and investment opportunities. The workshops explored how new developments apply to and influence the Cypriot PV industry. A workshop in Cyprus and visits to MENA countries strengthened research links between the two. The MENA region serves as a strategic location for FOSS expansion. These events provided an opportunity to tap into this unexplored market. PhD students and researchers received training and gained access to previously unavailable equipment and infrastructure. Scientific outputs include fundamentals such as mechanical integrity and degradation of PV modules, system integration and high penetration of PV energy in the grid. “TwinPV is helping to increase the renewable energy share in the electrical grid in Cyprus and Europe overall,” adds Prof. Georghiou. “It’s also helping Europe to transfer its knowledge and expertise to the surrounding region.” Austria, Cyprus and Denmark synergy: a win-win scenario The fruitful cooperation between AIT, DTU and UCY continues. They are partners in two ongoing national projects and a European initiative. Several new proposals have also been submitted. Their combined resources are helping to realise UCY’s vision of a PV park. When complete, “it will be one of the largest in Cyprus, completely transforming UCY’s financial standing,” he notes. “TwinPV has raised the profile of UCY, and it’s in a position to attract more competitive research funding at national, EU and international levels,” concludes Prof. Georghiou. UCY has more than doubled its PV team. “This means that we can offer joint services to European industry and MENA countries while playing a role in maintaining Europe’s competitiveness.”
Keywords
TwinPV, University of Cyprus (UCY), photovoltaics (PV), Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT), Technical University of Denmark (DTU), FOSS, R&I, training, smart grids