INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING

Universitt Hohenheim
Chair in Agricultural Engineering in the Tropics and Subtropics
Prof. Dr. J. Mller





Tempus Project 544504-TEMPUS-1-2013-1-DE-TEMPUS-JPCR

Renewable Energy Studies in Western Balkan Countries








Shkelqim Karaj
from Tirana, Albania

2014

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Contents
1 WB BALKAN UNIVERSITIES WELL INFORMED ABOUT RENEWABLE ENERGY
POTENTIAL .......................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Description of workpackage ...................................................................................... 3
1.1.1 M. Sc and PhD studies are defined at the 1st SCM ......................................... 3
1.1.2 Constitution of Western Balkan working groups ............................................ 4
2 THE M. SC AND PHD REGULATIONS ARE CREATED ACCORDING TO THE
BOLOGNA SYSTEM ........................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Description of workpackage ...................................................................................... 5
2.1.1 Staff training, mobilities to European Universities ......................................... 5
2.1.2 M. Sc and PhD study regulations .................................................................... 6
2.1.3 Development of new modules syllabi ............................................................ 6
2.1.4 M. Sc and PhD program development ............................................................ 6
3 M. SC AND PHD STUDIES ARE IMPLEMENTED, LABORATORIES AND
LITERATURE IS UPDATED AND STAFFS ARE TRAINED .......................................... 7
3.1 Description of workpackage ...................................................................................... 7
3.1.1 M. Sc and PhD studies implementation .......................................................... 7
3.1.2 Purchasing laboratory equipment, materials and literature ............................. 8
3.1.3 Staff training for use of laboratory equipments ............................................... 8
4 INTERNSHIP AND INNOVATIVE FUNDING SUPPORT ARE IMPLEMENTED
TOGETHER WITH INDUSTRY .......................................................................................... 9
4.1 Description of workpackage ...................................................................................... 9
4.1.1 Internships in Industry are introduced ............................................................. 9
4.1.2 Funding support innovation practices are introduced ................................... 10
5 QUALITY CONTROL PROCEDURES ......................................................................... 11
5.1 Description of workpackege .................................................................................... 11
5.1.1 Western Balkan network Universities and Industry ...................................... 12
5.1.2 M. Sc and PhD in Renewable Energy are established .................................. 12
5.1.3 Development of internships in Industry ........................................................ 12
6 RESULTS OF M. SC AND PHD STUDIES ARE REALIZED AND DISSEMINATED14
6.1 Description of workpackage .................................................................................... 14
6.1.1 Project results dissemination ......................................................................... 15
6.1.2 Students and staff present their results .......................................................... 15
6.1.3 Establishment of project website. .................................................................. 15
7 M. SC AND PHD STUDIES ARE ESTABLISHED AND EXPLOITED ...................... 16
7.1 Description of workpackage .................................................................................... 16
7.1.1 Monitoring and establishing control measures .............................................. 16
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7.1.2 Promotion of Renewable Energy .................................................................. 17
8 PROJECT IS SUCCESSFULLY MANAGED ................................................................ 18
8.1 Description of workpackage .................................................................................... 18
8.1.1 Project steering committee meetings ............................................................. 18
8.1.2 Network with Industry for practicum ............................................................ 19
9 SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT .................................................................................... 20
10 THE PROJECT RATIONALE ................................................................................ 21
11 THE PROJECT'S CONTENT AND METHODOLOGY ....................................... 23
12 DISSEMINATION AND SUSTAINABILITY ...................................................... 27



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1 WB Balkan Universities well informed about renewable energy potential
Assumptions:
- Reform of Higher Education and further integration into European Higher Education structure.
- M. Sc programs applied at national and international level.
- M. Sc and PhD studies related to national and International market.
Risks:
- Failure of management and administrative systems within the universities.
- Lack of information on the Master and PhD reform and academic framework.
1.1 Description of workpackage
Within the WP1 is consisting on gaining knowledge about the potential of Renewable Energy in
the Western Balkan (WB). All sources of renewable energy are evaluated on a national basis and
the information is provided to all partners (EU and WB). Information on Renewable Energy
potential will be delivered from WB partners in order to determine research potential, market
demand potential and number of industries operating in the field. The capacity and resources of
each WB partners are evaluated and considered at the first Steering Committee Meting (SCM).
Master and PhD studies are defined in collaboration with EU member partners.

The Western Balkan working group (WBWG) will be established during the first (SCM). The
WBGW is responsible for the coordination of regional activities and will design the
questionnaires for the respective ministries, universities, and the private industry (domestic and
foreign). SC will supervise and help out regarding preparatory working programme to ensure
overall guidance of the project. Information on Renewable Energy potential, on local and
national enterprises able to provide internship programs and on the network formation will be
presented at the 2nd SCM by the WB university partners.

The quality control managing group (QCMG) will also be established during the first SCM. The
QCMG is responsible for conducting the quality analysis of the implementation of the project
and of the contents of M. Sc program and PhD studies, through data collection and analysis,
surveys and interviews.

1.1.1 M. Sc and PhD studies are defined at the 1st SCM
During the first SCM the curricula and general frame of the new Master and PhD studies is being
drafted. Each WB partner University is then presenting the current academic and research
potential of their institutions. Based on this report and depending on the capacity and resources
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of each partner institution, individual plans are made how the new curricula will either be used to
improve existing programs or the full master and PhD courses will be established.
1.1.2 Constitution of Western Balkan working groups
Each partner university proposes two professors as members of the Western Balkan Working
Group (WBWG). During the first SCM the WBWG is founded. The WBWG is coordinating the
project activities in WB during the whole project. The duties of the group are to gather all
information relevant for the M. Sc program and PhD studies and to produce a report about the
current state for evaluation and discussion by the SC.

1.1.2.1 Lead partner
WP 1 is coordinated from University of Montenegro. The coordination of WBWG will be done
in collaboration with University of PUT. Collection of legal document on Higher Education
reform in Universities, ministries and market analysis. Preparation of printed material to all
partners, participation on WBWG and distributing/ collecting all material to the National
Authorities.


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2 The M. Sc and PhD regulations are created according to the Bologna system
Assumptions:
- Define common studies through partner universities.
- Involvement of Higher Education Institutions to promote reform.
Risks:
- Identification of a common M. Sc program model.
2.1 Description of workpackage
Based on results gained during the activities of the first working package the WBWG and EU
partners are creating the regulations for the Master program according to the Bologna system. In
order to define best practices university members from WB countries are travelling to EU project
members and collecting information on compulsory and elective modules for the Master
program in Renewable Energy. The gathered information is discussed in the meetings of the
WBWG and common practices are identified, improvements are foreseen, considered and
involvement of regional Industry in internship practices considered.
The documentation and regulation of the Master program are defined in close supervision of EU
member partners. Based on capacity and resources, base line modules are created at each WB
University. New modules are created for fulfilling the requirements of a complete Master
program and all Renewable Energy sources (solar, wind, biomass, water power and geothermal)
are considered in the Master program. The new Master program should prepare candidates for
the professional work trade market and scientific research. The scientific candidates are potential
students to continue the PhD program in the same study area of Renewable Energy.
The Master program is developed at university level and selective modules in English language
on an international level are offered to the students according to their special preferences for
their study program. PhD students enrolled in study areas of Renewable Energy might take
advantage and attend the new created compulsory or selective modules.
Mobilities of academic EU member partner to WB Universities are foreseen as a role to improve
lecturing and research skills of WB academic university staffs. These mobilities will be taking
part during the M. Sc program development.
2.1.1 Staff training, mobilities to European Universities
Four professors from each WB University are travelling to EU partner universities in order to
identify compulsory and selective modules in their respective programs. Meetings on a higher
institutional level will be provided by EU partners with the aim to introduce Master studies.
Definition of a strategic document on the compulsory modules for the respective M. Sc programs
will be finalized.
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2.1.2 M. Sc and PhD study regulations
M. Sc and PhD regulations are established with assistance of EU members according to the
Bologna educational system. WBWG is organizing meetings at university and regional level and
the strategy for the M. Sc and PhD programs in Renewable Energy are established.
2.1.3 Development of new modules syllabi
The development of new modules for the M. Sc and PhD programs are established with the
assistance of the specialists of the EU partner universities. Emphasis on the content of the
modules and language for the compulsory and elective modules are discussed.
2.1.4 M. Sc and PhD program development
The M. Sc and PhD program is being developed at WB Universities based on the agreed
compulsory and selective modules. WB academic staffs are assisted by EU members for
developing of modules and supervising teaching.
2.1.4.1 Lead partner
Coordinator of the activities related to definition of compulsory and elective modules on the
Master program. Planing and implementation of training and teaching seminars according WB
universities needs. Assisting on Master and PhD studies through Lectures on compulsory and
elective modules. Preparation of the reports and feedback on the implemented training activities.

Assisting on training and teaching of academic staff, providing meetings on higher institutional
level for the WB partners. Assisting on regulation of M. Sc and PhD studies according Bologna
educational system. Assisting on development of new modules for the M. Sc program and PhD
studies.


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3 M. Sc and PhD studies are implemented, laboratories and literature is updated and
staffs are trained
Assumptions:
Introduction of the M. Sc program or - depending on the local situation - some modules of it at
all WB Universities.
Creation of PhD study modules on Renewable Energy
Risks:
- Lack of academic staff for implementation.
3.1 Description of workpackage
This WP is mainly dedicated to the implementation of the M. Sc program and PhD studies at all
WB universities, purchase of equipment and staffs training for soft and hard skills, identification
of weaknesses and other activities foreseen to be implemented.
Purchase of laboratory equipment is organized by the UHOH in collaboration with all WB
universities. Equipment is used for the training of students in the handling of up-to-date
equipment, a precondition for an experimental M. Sc/PhD thesis, general teaching purposes and
is accessible for all WB partner universities, creating a network of laboratory use and knowledge
transfer (agreed memorandum through universities).
University staff members are being trained by laboratory experts on site, as well as via online
video conferences between beneficiary partners and laboratory technicians from EU project
partners for the usage of the modern equipment. Training in place after installation is foreseen
for equipment such as the atomic absorber, ion chromatography from trading companies.
WB professors are evaluating the academic skills of their current M. Sc/PhD students. Based on
the results, strategies are being designed for eliminating weaknesses, such as presentation of
reviewed scientific works at their university, performing lecture (from research area) and
seminars to Bachelor and Master Students. Student mobilities are foreseen and results are
presented at the last conference.

3.1.1 M. Sc and PhD studies implementation
WB partner universities are developing the new M. Sc and PhD studies either as a new program
(if capacity are available), or as improving current programs to the level defined during the first
SCM. Cooperation with other partner universities to establish a combined study programs in
renewable energies is foreseen in Albania (with possibility to enlarge in other WB countries).
The full study program is then available for the students at all partner universities.
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3.1.2 Purchasing laboratory equipment, materials and literature
Laboratory equipment serving as tools for facilitating teaching with practical work and enabling
research for M. Sc and PhD thesis are foreseen to be purchased based on the offers and
requirements of the partner universities. Universitt Hohenheim is assisting on purchasing
equipment.
3.1.3 Staff training for use of laboratory equipments
In order to make sure that all new equipment purchased within the project will be properly used
for the new study programs, staff of each partner institution is being trained for its usage.
Training is being done by EU experts on site, by video conferences, using resources of the
suppliers, etc.

3.1.3.1 Lead partner

UNHOH is leading WP 3 and mainly is responsible for assisting on purchasing the laboratory
equipment, training via video conference and on site is foreseen. Assisting on student selection
for mobility and providing scientific topics to WB Universities. Supervising student during their
staying in EU Universities and enrolling them in foreseen activities.

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4 Internship and innovative funding support are implemented together with Industry
Assumptions:
Building of "innovation clusters", as regional knowledge centres for Renewable Energy around
the WB universities
Implementation of internships and practical placements at enterprises.
Risks:
Lack of readiness for good cooperation between universities and industry
Suitable Enterprises not available in some partner countries for certain fields within the scope of
the project.

4.1 Description of workpackage
This WP introduces internships and practical placements of students in enterprises. It is
introducing innovative funding support approach to university and industry and preparing the
academic staff for implementing project in collaboration with the industry to donors (public and
private).
BLE plays the leading role in the propagation and establishment of an innovative funding
support program for PhD students at WB universities. BLE organizes a seminar in Albania to
inform about the funding support schemes for German and European PhD students. The
innovation promotion in this form as it proceeds by the BLE is unique because the research fund
is based not only on public funds, but also subsidized or even fully financed by industry. The
special condition of WB countries will be taken into account in order to adapt such a program to
WB partners. To this seminar all WB partners as well as Ministries and private Industry will be
invited. The objectives of the innovation promotion programme are:
- improving the competitiveness of companies and universities.
- strengthening the economic power of innovation.
- maintaining/enhancing employment.
- protecting natural resources.
- improving working conditions.
- strengthening the links between universities and industry.
The industry plays a very important role for implementation of internships of M. Sc students.
4.1.1 Internships in Industry are introduced
Internships are part of the M.Sc. programme and firmly installed in these programmes. For this
purpose a period of one semester is foreseen for practical work. This period shall be completed
before a university degree is awarded. Students will approach Industry with the assistance of
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University teachers for completing their practical work. M. Sc thesis and research studies with
industry will be of interest for both University and Industry.
4.1.2 Funding support innovation practices are introduced
The WB universities will undertake a leading and important coordinating function taking place
over the whole region and building "innovation clusters" i.e. regional Agricultural Knowledge
Centres for Renewable Energy. This innovation clusters will be assisted by BLE and a regional
meeting is foreseen in Albania were all industry partners and WB universities will attend.
4.1.2.1 Lead partner

BLE as leading partner is responsible establishing a PhD funding structure, introducing into a
seminar the organization rules, entity, organization dependency. Internship to industry and
practical work is introduced in the seminar. Innovation clusters will be assisted by BLE and
meeting is foreseen in Albania were all industry partners and WB universities will attend.
AUT is assisting students in Internship and practical work through existing network.
Participating on the seminar organized by BLE and creating together with other AL universities
"innovation clusters" for collecting regional agricultural knowledge on renewable energy sector.
Interacting with national industry and identifying problems in renewable energy sector.

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5 Quality control procedures
Assumptions:
Communication among members is working and regular meetings occur.
Active participation of staff members.
Risks:
Weak communication among project partners.
Brain drain of qualified staff.

5.1 Description of workpackege
Quality control procedures will be carried out by the Quality Control Management Group
(QCMG), which will be established during the first SCM. Each member will assign a contact
person responsible for participating in each QCMG meeting. In order to save time and money for
travels, the QCMG will conduct meetings at each SCM and WB partners will meet or
alternatively will have telephone/electronic contact before the SCM takes place to evaluate the
fulfilment of objectives.
The group, led by the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna and the
Technical University of Sofia in collaboration with all partners, is ensuring quality control
procedures. Evaluation criteria will be set by the QCMG, such as:
- number of meetings and outputs
- actors involved in the project
- gender balance
- training and internships in private industry
- agreements between universities and private industry
- university reports and dissemination
- newsletters issued
- comparing activities vs. deliverables
- partners activity reports
- answers to the markets needs
- new M. Sc and PhD students per university (number, gender, country)
- courses (number, participation, various modules)
- consistency of PhD programmes with the Bologna Process.
The QCMG elaborates and publishes a yearly report on the project web site. The web site will be
an interactive open Innovation Platform in the area of Renewable Energy. QCMG is permanently
monitoring the M. Sc program and the PhD study progress, deliverable activities, time duration
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limit and use of allocated inputs, equipment use and impact on teaching didactic, number of
students frequenting new modules and overall acceptance of the project are among the most
important monitoring procedures conducted by the QCMG.
5.1.1 Western Balkan network Universities and Industry
This project starts a new approach of establishing study courses, bringing together universities
covering different fields of science and teaching such as the Agricultural University of Tirana
and the Polytechnic University establishing a common master course for the very first time in
Albania. In addition, a very close cooperation is being established with industry, supporting
internships and practical placements of students and even a funding support system to support M.
Sc and PhD studies.
5.1.2 M. Sc and PhD in Renewable Energy are established
The newly developed master and PhD study programs are formally established and accredited at
the partner universities. The actual form of establishment updating and completion of existing
study courses or establishment of the complete new courses depends on the current situation at
the partner universities and will be decided after the evaluation of the partner institutions during
the first SCM.
5.1.3 Development of internships in Industry
The findings and information gained during the seminar will be used for developing and
controlling the internships within industry. The QCMG is responsible for permanently
monitoring the internship program, deliverable activities, time duration limit and use of allocated
inputs, equipment use and impact on student performance, number of students frequenting
internship and practical placements and the acceptance of the overall project are among
important monitoring procedures conducted by QCMG.
5.1.3.1 Lead partner
BOKU as leading partner of the WP 5 is responsible for the overall compliance of the tasks and
deadlines fixed for the WP5. Moreover participating on QCMG collaborating on data analysis,
surveys and interviews applied to partner members, elaborate on the yearly reports.
BOKU as leading partner of the WP 5 is responsible for the overall compliance of the tasks and
deadlines fixed for the WP5. Moreover participating on QCMG collaborating on data analysis,
surveys and interviews applied to partner members, elaborate on the yearly reports.
AUT is monitoring the project activities and insuring quality control procedures. Further more
AUT is assigning a contact person responsible for participating in each QMG meetings.
Elaborates on the yearly report and permanently monitors the quality procedures. Permanently
monitoring the internship program, deliverable activities, time duration limit and use of allocated
inputs, equipment use.

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6 Results of M. Sc and PhD studies are realized and disseminated
Assumptions:
M. Sc program acceptance from Ministries and civil society.
Willingness of institutions in implementing innovative procedures.
Risks:
Accreditation might not be granted by national authorities.
PhD funding group might not be funded form Ministries and Industry.

6.1 Description of workpackage
The WP6 is organized in three main activities: (i) Project results dissemination, (ii) Students and
staff results, and (iii) Establishment of the project website.
Results of the project are presented on each WB university home page and disseminated among
scientific societies in their own respective countries. Non university partners, Ministries and
Industry are informed electronically about the process of the M. Sc program and PhD study
achievements. Results are disseminated to existing connections and regional, national and
international sub-networks.
The trained students during the project implementation present their results and the findings are
incorporated in the final Tempus report. Demonstration of skills gained in using the purchased
equipment from M. Sc/PhD studies on the final conference to the EU partners is another form of
dissemination measurement.
The website is established at the beginning of the project, objectives are presented, activities are
announced, news are communicated and results are disseminated. The website is established and
managed by the University of Hohenheim.
Project ideas and activities are diffused to other WB universities. The purpose and the objectives
of the new M. Sc program are presented. The advantages and benefits for academic staff and M.
Sc/PhD students are aligned. Ministries are informed about the project ideas and the very
important role they have in implementing the objectives. Private industries are made familiar
with the objectives and activities, moreover, the advantages they might have by collaborating
with universities on issues such as internships and scientific research in resolving actual
problems.
Diffusion of project results to other institutions is done through existing networks and newly
created networks established during the time of the project implementation.

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6.1.1 Project results dissemination
Project ideas are diffused to WB universities and the purpose and the objectives for the new M.
Sc program and the PhD studies are presented. The advantages for academic staff, M.Sc and
PhD students are aligned. Ministries are informed about the project; the important role they have
in implementing the projects objectives. Private enterprises are made familiar with the project
objectives and activities moreover with the advantages they might have by collaborating with
universities on internship.
6.1.2 Students and staff present their results
M. Sc and PhD students and staff present their results in a final conference together with other
scientists. The trained PhD students during the project implementation are presenting their
results and the findings are incorporated to the final Tempus report. Demonstration of skills
gained in using the purchased equipment from M. Sc and PhD students and staff on the final
conference to the EU partners.
6.1.3 Establishment of project website.
The website is established right at the beginning of the project, objectives are presented,
activities are announced, news are launched and results are disseminated.
The website includes:
- maintaining of an on-going and updated discussion related to the Bologna Process.
- open the discussion to individuals and institutions outside the project.
- database to share didactic material.
- set-up of a platform for virtual meetings between partners of the project.
6.1.3.1 Lead partner
AUT as a leading partner is disseminating results to other university partners and non university
partners. The project ideas and activities are diffused to private industry and advantages are
aligned. AUT is supervising students for presenting their gained results. UT is gathering
information about the dissemination of the RESI newsletter from all partners.
UNHOH is disseminating the results to own network and to university homepage, contributing
on the RESI newsletter. The website is established and managed by the UHOH in collaboration
with AUT and PUT.
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7 M. Sc and PhD studies are established and exploited
Assumptions:
Network creation between universities and Industry is fully integrated.
Support of public and private sector promoting Renewable Energy and internship.
Risks:
Industry not willing to participate in the initiative.
Lack of financial resources for implementing the internships.
7.1 Description of workpackage
The WP 7 led by the University of Mostar and the University if Zenica is focusing on creating a
WB university network, promoting Renewable Energy in WB and establishing an internship
network with the private and public sector.
Existing agreements and new memorandum of understanding among WB universities with
potential demand for improving qualification on Renewable Energy are created. These
agreements are in line with the EU standards. For this purpose it is important to establish a
common M. Sc model throughout all WB universities. The network enhances national and
international collaboration between M. Sc/PhD students, scientist, lecturers and makes available
facilities to other institutions.
The status quo of the Renewable Energy potential is analyzed at WP 1 and disseminated to all
partners and non partner universities. The registered private industry to the created network is
informed about the Renewable Energy potential in WB, advantages, possible business plans,
European priorities for Renewable Energy sector and National projects. Ministries are updated
with new potential findings of the Renewable Energy supporting them to design National
strategies.
A database listing all industry partners working in the field of renewable energy is created made
available on the project website. WB professors are organising Internships for students in
enterprises. These internships offer a win-win-situation for both sides - Industry gets assistance
in the formulation of application calls and current university research and students get a close
look into real life in enterprises within the internships.

7.1.1 Monitoring and establishing control measures
The WBWG is responsible for monitoring and establishing quality control measurements. The
group is creating a network with industry and other universities which are informed about the
Renewable Energy sector. Potential and possible business plans are considered and best practices

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are shared with all members. Ministries are informed about potential and new findings of the
Renewable Energy sector, supporting them to design National strategies.
7.1.2 Promotion of Renewable Energy
The potential of Renewable Energy is disseminated to all partner and non-partner universities.
The importance and advantages of renewable energy vs. fossil fuel is acknowledged. National
and international universities are informed about achieved results and success of the program.
Best practices gained from the collaboration of university and industry in the renewable energy
sector are propagated.
7.1.2.1 Lead partner
UNMO as leading partner is monitoring and establishing control measurements. Creating
network with industry. Creation of the database with all active partners new members from
industry and public society and make it available to all partners. Promoting renewable energy to
all national and international partners and the importance of renewable energy use vs. fossil fuel.
UNHOH is promoting renewable energy potential of WB countries to network partners and
makes sure that agreements between new universities are in line with EU standards.
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8 Project is successfully managed
Assumption:
Coordination Capacity of the Project
Network consolidation among project partners.
Risks:
Workload of staff members.
Political stability.
8.1 Description of workpackage
The Project management is coordinated by the Steering Committee (SC), where all university
partners are present. The SC meets five times and the meeting places are the University of
Hohenheim, University of Podgorica, University of Sofia, University of Mostar, and for the last
SCM together with the final conference, the Agricultural University of Tirana.
The tasks of the SC are:
-monitoring of the project implementation.
-input on education and administrative policies.
-optimization and coordination of administrative activities.
The management of the project is ensured also by additional working groups such as the WBWG
and the QCMG. These groups will be established during the first SCM and the work plan, the
activities for the project implementation and the training periods for staff and students shall be
defined there as well. The SC takes the responsibility for the financial management, especially
the usage of the project funds wherever changes to the original plans are necessary. The financial
services (budget control, payments and financial reports) are managed by the Eastern Europe
Centre (EEC) of the UHOH. The administrative tasks for the WB region are coordinated by the
regional Coordinator at the AUT together with the contact persons at each partner university
within the WB region, who take responsibility to provide full documentation of all activities at
their institution to the regional coordinator at the AUT and the project management office at the
UHOH. Partners elaborate reports, including all details of payments and invoices. A final
external audit is ensuring financial control over all expenditures.
Administrative management (staff mobility, accommodation and qualifications at EU
universities, collection of documents) is ensured by the administrative staff, contact persons and
the secretarial staff.
8.1.1 Project steering committee meetings
The Steering Committee (SC) specific meetings are:
1st - Stuttgart , Germany- January 2014
2nd Podgorica, Montenegro - September - 2014

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3rd Sofia, Bulgaria July - 2015
4th Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina - February - 2016
5th Tirana, Albania - October 2016
The aims of these meetings are the:
- monitoring of project implementation
- input on education and administrative policies
- guaranteed body and supervision of quality
- Optimization and coordination of administrative activities
8.1.2 Network with Industry for practicum
The SC is responsible for creating the network with the industry for implementation of
Internships and practical works as well as M. Sc thesis and PhD research topics. A database is
created with all useful industry partners and the information is available to the project website.
WB professors are creating contact with Private Industry and an Internship for students is
created. Industry is assisted in formulation of application calls and students can apply for the
internship.
8.1.2.1 Lead partner
UHOH is responsible for the overall project implementation, in particular:
-Leading WP3 and WP8.
- Organizing SCM and coordinating SCM in Hohenheim.
- Ensure project implementation and financial management.
- Contribute to the coordination of administrative activities.
- Contribute to Dissemination of results.
- Contribute to quality control and monitoring the activities.



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9 Summary of the Project
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).



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10 The project rationale
Depending on the big input of the Tempus program in the Balkan region, the existing study
programs in the first and second cycle are mostly reformed. Therefore new study programs are
now in the focus, which are highly important for the future development and economy not only
for the countries in the Balkan region.
The energy supply in the Balkan region is mostly based on conventional sources like coal, oil
and gas and often imported from far away. Only in Albania a substantial part of the energy
supply is coming from renewable energy. Based on stable water resources especially from the
Prespa and Ochrid Lakes in Macedonia the Drini river is being used systematically as stable
water source to win electrical energy. However the most water turbines are very old and the
energy demand of the growing population, industry and economy need more and more energy
not available by the old systems. In the other Balkan countries a stable energy situation is not
possible on the basis of water turbines depending on the local climate conditions with hot and
dry summers and the related big changes in the actual water resources and the conventional
energy basis is limited. Until now, only 4 % of the selected Tempus projects for the WB are
addressing topics related to engineering.
The different renewable energy systems such as water and tide, wind, solar energy, chemical
energy, geothermal energy, biomass and biogas are integrated in several studies at different
faculties and universities with applied natural sciences as mechanical, electrical, chemical and
biotechnical engineering, agriculture and food, geology and the basic natural sciences. Highly
important is the integration of economy to analyze the affordability of the different systems and
the time scale for the realization of a special affordable energy system. Thereby the storage of
energy in a battery or as potential or chemical energy gets a new dimension. Many renewable
energy systems are not permanently available and depend on the climate conditions or the day
and night problems. And the long distance transport and distribution in combination with a
highly unsteady energy generation process is not solved.
The system of higher education must be reformed for the replacement process of the
conventional energy systems. On the one side specialists are needed to improve special systems.
Another important field is the reduction of energy consumption or the replacement by other more
ecological systems. On the other side generalists must prepare the decision about the realization
of preferable systems based on ecobalances as a basis for economical and political decisions.
Therefore renewable energy becomes a new dimension in the education system to overcome the
problem of affordable energy in the near future. The bachelor studies dont need to be reformed,
the reform process must start with the master studies. On the one side only special lectures must
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be upgraded or reformed. On the other hand also special studies on renewable energy are needed.
Such studies must be organized over the boarders of faculties and universities and have to
integrate the special boundary conditions like climate and available natural resources of the
country.
New PhD studies are needed in renewable energy to have enough highly qualified specialists
needed for the growing industry and economy. The project proposal fits therefore very well
within the development strategy of all partner universities and countries.
In a first step the project has therefore to reform the related Master and PhD studies in the
different partner universities together with the related capacity building for staff and students.
Depending on the similar or identical problems in the partner countries it is highly important to
bring staff and students from the different universities together to facilitate a common realization
of common problems. The Western universities must cover all the different fields of renewable
energy. The universities are chosen therefore in a way, that the different aspects are covered and
that the specific competences of European countries from the Balkan area can be used.
Highly important is the integration of the industry from East and West in the project. The
planned new studies in renewable energy are especially important for the industry, who will be
involved for internships of students, for financing of PhD theses and for the improvement of the
local economy. The project will establish close links with industry on the Western Balkan in
order to support the knowledge transfer between universities and industry.
It is planned to establish of a new common funding system for PhD theses and related research.
The funding is provided by industry and government and is influenced by similar funding
systems in Germany, which allow a nearly perfect funding of industry related university
research by PhD theses.
For the purpose of the project, the following points are most important:
Development and upgrading of Master and PhD studies in the field of renewable energies. This
field of science is highly important for the future of all partner countries and for all universities
in the project, due to the very limited resources of conventional fossil energies in the countries.
Improvement of the cooperation between all Eastern and Western universities to develop MSc
and PhD studies within a project, which depends on the cooperation between all universities
involved. Interdisciplinary MSc and PhD studies must have regulations, which are valid over the
borders of institutes, departments, faculties and universities. It must be possible, that students can
choose modules from different faculties and universities.
Development of a funding system for PhD studies in cooperation between ministries, industry
and universities.

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11 The project's content and methodology
The integration of the renewable energy in the university programs of the partner universities
must respect two important different aspects: The universities need specialists, which are able to
find solutions on the basis of highly specialized studies. On the other hand the countries need
generalists, which are familiar with all kinds of renewable energy, to find the best solution for
the country under the specific conditions.
The project involves different universities and faculties, bringing together all fields of renewable
energy studies, from agriculture involved in producing biobased products and their use in biogas
plants and production of other kinds of energy plants to the technical field such as photovoltaic,
wind energy, hydropower and others.
The Master as well as the PhD programs in the different universities will be developed together.
Where the universities are very near to each other like in Tirana, joint Master and PhD programs
will be possible. Lecturers from both universities involved will take responsibility for teaching
their specific modules, the ones based on agricultural production and economic rating by the
Agricultural University, the specific technical parts by the Polytechnic University. At other
universities, where the fields addressed are covered by different faculties of the same university,
the new study programs will be established as a common program of all faculties involved.
An important part of the project focuses on the creation of a new funding support system for
innovative doctorates in a network of ministries, universities, industry and industrial
organizations.
First the Eastern partner and Western consortium members have to be well informed about the
actual higher education structure, the status quo and the potential of the renewable energy. The
SC members will give detailed reports of the current situation and the study courses available at
their institution. Emphasis will be laid on courses covering all kind of energy resources including
production of biobased energy as well as technical solutions for other renewable energy sources.
The MSc and PhD studies are defined and the Western Balkan working group (WBWG) is
constituted during the first Steering Committee Meeting (SCM) organized at the University of
Hohenheim. The WBWG is responsible for the collection and distribution of all relevant
information about MSc and PhD studies in renewable energy during the whole duration of the
project. Each partner university nominates 2 professors as members of the WBWG. The WBWG
is analyzing in a first step the potential of renewable energy together with an actual analysis of
the market including ministries and industry. The WBWG is responsible too for the reports about
the current state of the project for the evaluation and discussion by the SC.
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The quality control management group (QCMG) will also be established during the first SCM
and is a permanent institution during the whole project. The QCMG is i.e. responsible for
conducting the quality analysis of the implementation of the project and of the content of the
MSc and PhD study programs.
The activities in WP 2 are the most important for the development of the new MSc and PhD
programs. 40 lecturers, 8 from each Western Balkan university are trained at the European
universities and 15 lecturers from EU member universities are assisting during their stay at the
Eastern universities in the development of the MSc and PhD programs and supporting
introduction of new teaching methods. They will get an insight into study courses and modules,
teaching methods and topics related to renewable energy at their host institutions. Based on this
experience and using material gathered during their stay abroad, new regulations and syllabi are
established including all compulsory and elective modules including lectures in English language
in the M. Sc and especially in the PhD programs. The M.Sc. will be a 2-years program with 120
ECTS. Students will get a sound overview on renewable energy and its economic rating within 7
compulsory modules. In order to allow students to create an individual profile, a minimum of
seven elective modules can be chosen from the list of other modules of the university. Each
module will have 6 ECTS. The study and examination plan is completed in the first semester,
mentors will assist in choosing elective modules and the M. Sc thesis topics. Each module is
examined upon completion. The master thesis shall show that the candidate is able to work
independently on a problem in the field of "Renewable Energy" within a fixed period of time by
applying scientific methods. PhD students will either have to proof sound knowledge in
renewable energies by passing a specific exam or will otherwise have to attend the compulsory
modules of the M.Sc. course. Specific modules such as methods of scientific working, peer
reviewed publishing and different soft skills will be developed and taught in English. PhD
students are encouraged to do their thesis in cooperation with industry partners to give them
insight to industry and establish contacts to improve their chances for employment.
After acceptance by university boards and ministries, the new study programs will be accredited
and implemented at the partner universities. Necessary equipment and current literature is
purchased and scientific staff and PhD students are trained for the effective use of the new
equipment. Part of an effective approach is the creation of a network of laboratory equipment use
and knowledge transfer. WB partner universities are developing the new M. Sc and PhD studies
either as a new program (if capacity is available) or as improving current programs to the level
defined during the first SCM.
The improvement of the cooperation between industry and university is an essential part of the
project, depending on the big importance for the field of renewable energy.

25

To improve the knowledge transfer from MSc and PhD programs at the universities to the
industry, the cooperation will be improved and the students must become familiar with the
situation in the industry as soon as possible. Therefore internships for students are integrated in
the program. Thereby internships in enterprises in Eastern countries are planned. M.Sc. and PhD
students will have to do at least 3 months of internship within industry, either during their
semester breaks or during an additional semester. 25 students who show sound knowledge and
intend to go into a scientific career supporting their home universities later, will be selected for
student mobilities to Western countries including internships in EU enterprises during their stay.
A new funding system is planned to support innovation and to assist to the industry by
knowledge transfer from MSc and PhD theses at the university to the application in the industry.
This part will be assisted especially by the German BLE based on the big experience of this
institution. In the first phase, a BLE representative will give an introduction to the Western
European funding systems providing essential knowledge for partners and the ministries. In
collaboration with the BLE experts a funding support system will be created together with
ministries, universities and industry.
The quality control procedures will be carried out by the Quality Control and Monitoring Group
(QCMG), which is also being established during the 1st SCM. Each SC member will nominate a
contact person responsible to participate at the QCMG meetings. The QCMG will conduct
regular meetings, especially before each SCM. The QCMG is responsible for quality
management and for control of implementation of the project. The group is in collaboration with
all partners and is ensuring quality control procedures and evaluation criteria for quality control
and monitoring during the whole project. It is permanently monitoring the project concerning
activities, duration limits, use of allocated inputs and equipment, impact in didactic of teaching,
number of students frequenting new modules and acceptance of the project. The QCMG
elaborates and publishes a yearly report on the project web site.
A central point is to build networks for the highly interdisciplinary field of renewable energy
inside the universities and especially between the Eastern and Western universities, which will
not end with the ending of the project. Therefore personal contacts and cooperation are an
essential part of the mobilities, which are facilitating the sustainability also after the end of the
project
The MSc and PhD study results are disseminated with three main activities during and after the
project:
1. Creation and establishment of the project web site at the beginning of the project as an
essential instrument for dissemination during the whole project time.
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2. Dissemination by public presentations of the project for all stakeholders like ministries and
industry through newspaper and television.
3. An essential and important part is the diffusion of project ideas and steps, diffusion of project
results to other institutions and presentation of final results during the final conference at AUT in
Tirana.
The website is publishing the objectives, activities, news and results. Project ideas and activities
are diffused to all partner universities. The purpose and objectives for the new PhD programs
and the new PhD funding support system are presented. The advantages and benefits for
academic staff and PhD students are aligned. Ministries are officially informed about the project
ideas and the very important role they have in implementing the objectives.
After implementation, the new MSc and PhD studies are accessible for sustainable application.
The project is establishing a university network promoting renewable energy in the partner
universities. Agreements and memoranda of understanding among national universities with
potential demand for doctoral qualification on renewable energy are created. These agreements
are in line with EU standards. The network enhances the national cooperation between MSc and
PhD students and scientific academic staff and makes available the facilities to other institutions.
The status quo and the potential of renewable energy are analyzed and disseminated; the network
has informed the private industry and scientific community about the advantages and European
priorities for renewable energy and the ministries in order to design new National strategies.
The most important part for the management of the project is the Steering Committee (SC). It is
responsible for the overall management of the project. It is composed of leading people from all
partners and installed at the beginning of the project. The SC meetings take place at UHOH and
Podgorica in the first year, in the second year in Sofia and in the third year in Mostar and Tirana.
The aims of the meetings are monitoring, inputs on education and administrative policies,
guarantee body and supervision of quality control, optimization and coordination of
administrative activities, dissemination and sustainable application. The management is ensured
also by other groups such as WDWG and QCMG, installed during the first SCM. Meetings of
these working groups will take place at the same time as the SCM, allowing reports and
discussion of the specific topics at the SC and saving costs on travelling. Additional WG
meetings will be arranged as necessary, close communication will be established via email and
phone. The financial services are managed by the UHOH with its Eastern Europe Centre and the
local coordinator at the AUT. The administrative management is ensured by administrative staff,
contact persons and secretarial staff at each institution.
The SC is also responsible for the creation and implementation of a lasting Network between
Industry and Universities for internships and practical work.

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12 Dissemination and sustainability
The strategy of dissemination includes three aspects, diffusion of the projects ideas and
intentions, diffusion of the project results and promotion of the MSc and PhD studies with three
periods of promotion: before, during and at the end of the project. It will be addressed to favour
links between university, stakeholders and beneficiaries as MSc and PhD students, Albanian,
Bosnian, Montenegrian , Western Balkan and European institutions and authorities, enterprises,
economic agents, labour organizations and communities. Web applications will play a crucial
role in this. A project logo and leaflets will be created.
A dynamic website will be established as a working platform available to all partner universities,
regularly maintained during the whole period of the project by the University of Hohenheim. The
results of the project are presented on each partner university home page too and disseminated f.
i. to scientific societies in the partner countries. Non university partners are informed
electronically about the process of the project achievements. The website will allow the access
for internal as well as external dissemination during and after the end of the project. Supporting
documents will be released within the frame like intermediate and final reports.
The Steering Committee (SC) will not only be important for the management of the project
activities but for dissemination too. SC Members are key staff members from all partner
institutions. The SC is controlling all project activities and takes responsibility for the success of
the project. The SC meetings are held twice a year in the second only one meeting- alternating
in partner country and EU universities. The reports about these meetings together with the
publication of the Western Balkan working group documents are effective tools for the
dissemination of the project results. For the same reason the reports of the meetings of the local
working groups and will be made available. An essential point is the integration of the students
in the project. Selected MSc and PhD students are participating in the SC Meetings in their
countries as future stakeholders and to integrate the students in the dissemination process.
At the end of the project the M. Sc and PhD program brochures and the new regulations based on
an accreditation of the new MSc and PhD studies will be presented on a final conference
organized together with the final Steering committee meeting in Tirana as a public presentation
of the project results. Press and TV will be invited together with public authorities responsible
for education and research policies, the stakeholders of the private sector as future employers,
representatives of other higher education institutions and representatives of ministries.
The new MSC and PhD programs are not only containing study programs and regulations for the
higher education. The industry - especially the Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SME),
which cannot afford own research facilities - need highly qualified MSc and PhD students too.
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For the solution of the problems of these SMEs, MSc and PhD theses are necessary on the basis
of innovative work.
The development of a funding system for innovative doctorates is supported by discussions with
the ministries of education, economy and energy, agriculture, and environment and with
stakeholders of the industry. Intensive dissemination is necessary to bring all these people
together, to motivate them and to find common solutions.
This project will be the nucleus for future cooperation between different universities and industry
on a national and international level, as many examples and cooperation agreements between the
Eastern and Western partner universities participating in former Tempus projects are proofing.

Table 1 Project Consortium
No Acronym Organisation Name City Country
P1 UHOH Universitt Hohenheim (Co-ordinator) Stuttgart Germany
P2 UNSTU University of Stuttgart Stuttgart Germany
P3 BLE The Federal Office for Agriculture and Food Bonn Germany
P4 TUS Technical University of Sofia Sofia Bulgaria
P5 BOKU University of Natural Resources and Life
Sciences, Vienna
Vienna Austria
P6 STU University of Technology in Bratislava Bratislava Slovakia
P7 AUT Agricultural University of Tirana Tirana Albania
P8 PUT Polytechnic University of Tirana Tirana Albania
P9 XH XHERDO ltd Tirana Albania
P10 WOC WONDER sha Tirana Albania
P11 TT TERMO-TIRANA sh.p.k. Tirana Albania
P12 AE Alb-Energy sh.p.k. Berat Albania
P13 UNME University of Montenegro Podgorica Montenegro
P14 UNMO Dzemal Bijedic University of Mostar Mostar Bosnia and
Herzegovina
P15 UNZE University of Zenica Zenica Bosnia and
Herzegovina
P16 MILKOS MILKOS d.o.o Hadii Bosnia and
Herzegovina
P17 GZ JP GRIJANJE ZENICA d.o.o Zeninca Bosnia and
Herzegovina


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SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT
Introduction of M. Sc studies program on Renewable Energy in Western Balkan.
Introduction of PhD studies in Renewable Energy in Western Balkan.
Building network between Universities and Industry.
Supporting academic staff on scientifical publication and conference proceedings.
Introducing innovation methods and internship practices.
Focus of the project
The renewable energies are important for environmental protection. In WB the contribution of
water energy is relatively good. The other renewable energies are up to now nearly not used. The
improvement of higher education here is needed.
Table 2 Lead partners and co-partners.
Work Packages Leading Contact person
1 WB Balkan Universities well informed
about renewable energy potential
P13 UNME
P8 PUT
Dr. Milic Curovic
Prof. Dr. Andonaq Londo
2 M.Sc./ PhD regulations created according
Bologna system
P2 UNSTU
P1 UNHOH
Dr. Ludger Eltrop
Prof. Dr. Joachim Mller
3 M.Sc./ PhD studies implemented, equipment
updated, staff trained
P1 UNHOH
P7 AUT
Prof. Dr. Joachim Mller
Dr. Shkelqim Karaj
4 Internship and innovative funding support
implemented together with industry
P3 BLE
P7 AUT
PD. Dr. Nazim Gruda
Dr. Shkelqim Karaj
5 Quality control procedures P5 BOKU
P4 TUS
Prof. Dr. Georg Gbitz
Prof. Dr. Frantisek Janicek
6 Results of M.Sc. and PhD studies realized
and disseminated
P7 AUT
P8 PUT
Prof.Dr. Ardian Mai
Prof. Dr. Andonaq Londo
7 Results of M.Sc. and PhD studies
established and exploited
P14 UNMO
P15 UNZE
Prof. Dr. Sead Pai
Prof. Dr. efket Goleti
8 Project successfully managed P1 UHOH
P4 AUT
Dr. Shkelqim Karaj
Prof. Dr. Ardian Mai
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BUDGET AND COST EFFECTIVENESS
Studies in renewable energy require an interdisciplinary input from Engineering, Agriculture and
Economy on the basis of Natural and Applied Natural Sciences with special integration of the
Environmental Sciences. The project is therefore not based on the reform of the Master and PhD
studies of a special faculty or of some institutes responsible for a special study program, but on
studies in different faculties and universities. Programs need to be analyzed and the Master
programs and PhD studies reformed, where necessary and reasonable totally new courses will be
introduced.
Another important point for the cost effectiveness is the development of the Master and PhD
programs in parallel in an interdisciplinary approach. The energetic situation in the Balkan
region is extremely poor and needs improvement as soon as possible. The countries need at the
same time highly qualified scientists from PhD programs, which can steer and control the future
development and need hard working graduates of Master programs to realize the future
development.
Teaching in renewable energy programs needs a lot of equipment. Apart from the purchase of
necessary equipment for the universities, internships and practical placements in industry and the
local economy are integrated in the project to allow students to get familiar with up-to-date
equipment.
The grant applicant is familiar with the situation at the partner universities. Therefore the budget
allocation does not show a totally equal distribution, it is based of the size and importance of the
local institutions and their needs. In order to reduce travelling costs, SCM and WG meetings are
combined.
The calculation of the salary and mobility rates is based on the tasks in the project. The grant
applicant is experienced in the management of Tempus projects. The proper use of the money is
always additionally controlled by the finance office of the university. Whenever possible the
mobilities are planned early to reduce travel costs.