REYST (Reykjavik Energy Graduate School of Sustainable Systems)
In a world daily facing the growing and often contradictory challenges of increased energy demands, declining reserves of fossil fuels, and an urgent need to address the challenge of reducing CO2 emissions, there is a clear case for far sighted training and education.Our mission is to provide each new generation with trained experts in the field of clean energy for a sustainable world.Iceland School of Energy offers a unique opportunity to study sustainable energy in close cooperation with leaders in the field of renewable energy.The goal of Reykjavik University (RU) is to develop powerful research that strengthens its international reputation, infuses its teaching with new ideas, and provides both industry and the community with new knowledge. Research and research based study programmes are conducted in cooperation with some of the most prestigious researchers, research institutes and universities in the world.
Company details
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- Business Type:
- University
- Industry Type:
- Renewable Energy
- Market Focus:
- Globally (various continents)
- Employees:
- 1-10
About Us
Sustainable use of energy resources is the basis for future economic growth and well being. To promote research and organized education in this field, Reykjavik University, in collaboration with Reykjavik Energy and Iceland GeoSurvey, operates REYST - an interdisciplinary graduate program in order to create leading experts in management, design and research in the field of sustainable energy.
The school offers an international graduate program based on three pillars:
- Engineering
- Earth Science
- Business
The program is characterized by its focus on sustainable energy use, interdisciplinary approach, practical experience and fieldwork. The first group of students enrolled in The Reykjavik Energy Graduate School of Sustainable Systems – REYST – in August 2008. Our students have diverse backgrounds in engineering, science, business and law and come from all parts of the world. Roughly half of the students are international and the other half is Icelandic. The language of instruction is English.
Sustainable Energy
Population expansion and the demand for economic development are characterized by exponential growth. The result of this type of growth is that the burdens placed on society, the environment and our natural resources keep increasing at an accelerating pace. By contrast there is a finite capacity to bear those burdens.
Human activity is made possible by the transformation of energy from one form to another. The manner in which this is done can have a lasting effect on the standard of living and well being for current and future generations. Advances in science and technology have given mankind the ability to utilize resources in ever better and more productive ways, but at the same time made it possible to use those same resources at a more rapid rate than ever before. Sustainable use of energy calls for ways of harnessing energy, to our benefit, in such a manner that the possibility of future generations to have access to economical and clean energy resources is not diminished. To achieve this goal it is necessary to understand the scientific, technological and societal aspects that govern sustainable development. The REYST program endeavours to promote advancement of sustainable energy use by enhancing understanding of the science underlying energy resources, the technology to improve their utilization and the business knowledge of bringing good solutions to market.
Why Iceland?
During the course of the 20th century Iceland made a remarkable transformation from being one of the poorest nations in Europe to enjoying a standard of living that is one of the highest in the world. This progress has been closely linked to sustainable development. Practically all heat and electricity used in the country comes from geothermal and hydropower. Renewable energy has been used extensively to build up both industry and a comfortable lifestyle for Iceland‘s inhabitants. One result of this reliance on sustainable energy use is that Icelanders have amassed vast experience and knowledge of that field. The REYST program offers exceptional access to experienced professionals, scientists and the opportunity to work on relevant and novel projects.
Iceland also offers a unique platform to observe the economic, societal and natural forces that shape the environment for sustainable energy use. Due to the relatively small size of Iceland‘s population it is easy to distinguish and analyze economic and social trends that impact sustainable development. Iceland‘s geographic location makes it possible to study active geophysical systems in a pristine and stimulating environment.
Is REYST for you?
The REYST program is intended for students with diverse backgrounds, but a common interest in finding ways to better meet burgeoning demands for energy that is clean, safe, and available in a convenient form and competitive cost. Typical students have degrees in engineering, geoscience or business administration, and many have practical experience from industry.
Although the strength of REYST is largely founded on the extensive use of sustainable energy in Iceland, its scope is much wider. The challenges of implementing sustainable energy systems are international in nature, although the particulars may have a distinctly local flavor. REYST students learn about a broad range of technoligies that suit different regions and societies. REYST students have come from six different continents, and REYST alumni have gone on to work and study in all corners of the world.