With time, more information resources - such as the internet - are created to help people develop their intellectual capabilities. However, these resources are not sufficient to ensure the full development of our children. So far, schools are still popular all over the world as centres for education. The basic advantage of educational centres is the human element. It is here that contacts between teachers, students and parents are made. Moreover, it is only in such places that our children can have hands-on experience in almost every subject, which otherwise would have remained totally theoretical.

One of the aims of the Institute for Energy Technology of the University of Malta is to originate and participate in teaching programmes in the field of energy technology. This includes studies on how and where energy is utilised, why there is a need for energy conservation and how one can adopt renewable sources of energy in Malta.

Over the years, the Institute has realised that there is lack of information on these topics among the general public and in certain instances, misinformation among the experts. Such conclusions were gathered during the participation of the Institute in several exhibitions and open days, as well as during seminars on energy management, and especially at the MedCampus Training Programme. One can safely say that this lack of information is not unique to Malta but can be seen in many other countries.

In its drive to create more awareness about energy use and its implications on the environment, the Institute has recently prepared a half-day educational programme for senior level classes (Form 3 and upwards). To date more than 500 students between the ages of 13 and 16 have visited the Institute’s premises at Marsaxlokk and have benefited from this programme.
 The first part of this visit is devoted to explain the environmental effects of energy use, the present energy scenario in Malta and the role of renewable energy and energy conservation. Energy use has negative effects on the environment such as air pollution, that leads to acid rain and deterioration of vegetation, buildings, flora and fauna. Malta consumes considerable amounts of energy, when compared to western countries, in spite of mild climate of Malta and the lack of heavy industry. The use of electricity is doubling every 9 years and this increase is directly related to the standard of living coupled with little efforts to improve efficiency of energy use.

After a short break, the students are divided into groups and more practical information is given on the research work carried out at the Institute. Solar water heating is being studied together with the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Malta Dry Docks, which will eventually lead to the design and the local manufacturing of solar water heaters.

Research work on bioclimatic building design introduces the students to the methods of adapting building design to the local climate. The indoor climate of buildings can be maintained at comfort levels through passive measures, such as shading of windows and insulation of walls.

Solar electric (photovoltaic) systems are also being tested at the Institute since June 1996. The results of these studies will lead to the publication of guidelines for installing such systems in domestic houses. The students visit the roof of the Institute where they can relate what they have heard with actual operating systems. The weather station and the solar photovoltaic system are remotely monitored by a computer, that can also display the operating conditions on line.

The students are also introduced to the research work being carried out on wind energy. Without proper monitoring over a reasonable period of time, the potential of wind energy in Malta cannot be determined. The Institute is currently carrying out a wind resource assessment for the Maltese Islands. Visitors are briefed on the methods used to evaluate the wind potential and the output from these studies are given. The students become familiar with the monitoring instruments and their operation. Discussions on the implications of wind energy applications on the environment, the social impact and financial feasibility are held.

The Institute has also established contacts with James Madison University, U.S.A. The first fruits of this collaboration will be a visit of 17 students from that University to the Institute in May 1998. A programme is being prepared where the students will have lectures on energy issues as part of their curriculum and will also work on 4 projects that are of particular interest to the Institute. One project will be examining the thermal performance of building elements while another will concentrate on the visual impact of wind farms in Malta. The third one will concentrate on a hybrid solar electric/wind farm to produce electricity for a reverse osmosis plant, and the fourth project will deal with the design and simulation of solar systems in Malta.

Such projects would give definite answers to many questions that remain so far, unanswered. The lack of human resources to carry out such work has always been felt. The presence of these students will benefit the Institute in this regard, and in turn, they will have a more profound understanding of these subjects.

Members of staff supervise works of final year projects that are directly or indirectly related to the interests of the Institute. To date, 6 projects have been supervised ranging from science and engineering to economics, medicine and diplomatic studies. On an intermediate level, the Institute assists students in their Systems of Knowledge projects. The aim of such assistance is not only practical but also to help them understand in more details how renewable energy can play an important role in their own lives in the future. At the moment, there are 3 post-graduate projects going on, two M.Phil. studies on wind and hydrogen production for use as a fuel, and one Ph.D. on bioclimatic buildings design. During the past 3 years, one student completed an M.Phil degree on photovoltaics.

The Institute offers M. Phil. degrees in Energy Technology and carries out consultancy works in energy management and renewable energy applications.

 BACK TO ARTICLES