Host University
Reykjavik University
Iceland School of Energy MSc Programme

The Course: Introduction to Renewable Energy 
The GREEN Program - ISE01
Credits: 3 ECTS / 1.5 acadmic credits, 60 hours
 

The GREEN Program is a 50+ hour intensive program held in partnership between The GREEN Program and Iceland School of Energy at Reykjavik University. Our faculty and industry experts teach classes on sustainability, hydro power, geology, bio-fuels, and geothermal energy. The course also includes facility tours to various power plants for hands-on learning such as to a hydro power plant, a geothermal power plant, a wind farm and a bio-fuel location.
 

During the course, students form interdisciplinary groups and develop a final Capstone Project on a specific renewable energy subject which they present for evaluation in the end of the course. Each group is required to present a project highlighting an identified problem and solution. Students are required to present the project in full detail and cover the financial, political, education, engineering and social impact aspects of their innovative idea.

In class lectures include but are not limited to:

• 1) Introduction to Energy in Iceland:
  How to use energy resources in a sustainable manner is affected strongly by local environmental, societal and market conditions.  Iceland has successfully transformed its energy sector to an unprecedented degree.  In this part of the course we examine how Iceland's natural history has shaped the widespread utilization of renewables.

  Learning outcome
  Upon completion of this section students will be familiar with the basics geophysical forces that have shaped Iceland; how economic development and development of the energy sector have been shaped by these forces, and by the development of Icelandic society.  Students will be able to see parallels between the situation in Iceland and development in other parts of the world.  Students will have been exposed to the importance matching the choice of sustainable energy solutions to local conditions.

• 2) Basics of Hydro-power:
  This course will give an overview of the basics of hydropower; how water is harnessed to generate electricity, the different types of hydropower designs, and the types of systems in use. The course will touch upon some of the design challenges for hydropower, and how it has advanced to minimize environmental impact of the structures. We will look at hydropower in context, through existing global capacity and future predictions of technical potential of undeveloped resources. The course concludes with giving an overview of hydropower in Iceland, with particular emphasis on the value of the flexibility of this renewable source of energy, and how that is used to build up storage in our closed energy system.
  Learning outcome
  At the end of the course the students should have a good understanding of true potential of hydropower, its strength and limitations. They should be capable of understanding what it takes to generate hydroelectricity, and the importance of designing such power plant in a responsible way, considering overall social and environmental impact.

   

  3) Geothermal Energy: An overview of exploration, utilization, and use:
  In this course an overview of different aspects of geothermal energy will be presented. That includes the origin of geothermal energy, geothermal exploration techniques,  geothermal utilization, use of geothermal energy and economic aspects of geothermal energy.
  Learning outcome
  Basic knowledge of the origin, use and utilization of geothermal energy.
• 4) Introduction to Energy Economics:
  A general overview of energy markets is presented along with key economics terms such as supply and demand, elasticities, market failure and externalities. Climate change economics is introduced as well as the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). Financing of geothermal power plants is also presented.
  Learning outcome
  Students will be familiar with basic economics terms and able to use them to understand changes in market prices and quantities and how externalities should be incorporated into energy analysis. 

• 5) Biofuel Innovations:
  An introduction and preview of Iceland's emerging biofuel market. Utilizing the rapeseed plant, meet the professor and innovator behind a sustainable and cost-effective solution for Iceland's transport sector.
  Learning outcome
  Students will be familiar with basic market terms for biofuel and able to use them to understand the business plan and economics comparisons between the current diesel economy vs. the feasibility of a biofuel-run economy. 

(*Please note that classes are subject to be updated)

You can learn more about the course here.

• Gain a comprehensive understanding along with a personal familiarity of the science and technology behind renewable energy systems: hydroelectric, geothermal, and biofuels.
• Attain a clear grasp of cost analyses and environmental impact of renewable energy production facilities in historical, present and future context.
• Develop skills to evaluate energy sources and projects in terms of feasibility within the matrix of technical, economic, environmental, and political implementation.
• Observe Iceland’s energy policies, natural resource legislation and other legislative controls impacting the production and sale of electricity in the nation.
• Advance on the vocabulary and concepts essential to commercial energy production, transmission, management and legislation.
• Develop leadership, teamwork, and networking skills through adventure excursions and exposure to professional industry relationships.
• Excel within a network of like-minded participants who aspire to work and innovate in the field of renewable energy and sustainability
• Gain a critical global perspective demanded by corporate recruiters today to prepare for accelerated career opportunities. 

Day 1 Welcome to Iceland!

• Airport Pickups

• Meet the Team
• Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula
• Check in to Guesthouse
• Lunch
• Team building activities - get to know your group
• Capstone Project Launch

Day 2

• Breakfast
• Intro to Iceland Energy Class
• Iceland Geothermal Class
• Energy Efficiency Campus Tour
• Lunch
• Tour One of Iceland’s Largest Geothermal Power Plants
• Mountain Hikes & Hot Springs
• Dinner
• Capstone Ideation

Day 3

• Breakfast
• Hydroelectric Power Class
• Energy Economics Class
• Lunch
• Capstone Development
• Gain Industry Access Inside Iceland’s Oldest Hydroelectric Power Plant
• Experience Local Geothermal Heated Swimming Pools & Spas
• Dinner in Reykjavik, Iceland's Capital

Day 4

• Breakfast
• Visit one of Iceland’s Largest Hydroelectric Power Plants
• Sustainable Greenhouse tour
• Lunch
• Gullfoss & Geysir Exploration (Golden Circle)
• Change Hotels
• Dinner
• Capstone Development

Day 5

• Breakfast
• Glacier Hike
• Lunch
• Waterfall Exploration
• Biofuel Class & Site Visit at the Base of The Famous Eyjafjallajokull Volcano
• Documentary Tour & Local Farm That Experienced Eruption Devastations
• Dinner
• Capstone Development

Day 6

• Breakfast
• Finalize Capstone Projects
• Lunch
• Capstone Presentations at Reykjavik University
• Head to the Highlands
• Dinner

Day 7

• Breakfast
• Hike around the Highlands
• Lunch
• Super Jeep Excursions
• Dinner
• Final Dinner & Reflections

Day 8

• Breakfast
• Free time to walk around Reykjavik
• Airport Dropoffs & Departures

*Note: Itineraries are subject to change 

Day 1 Welcome to Iceland!

• Airport Pickups

• Meet the Team
• Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula
• Check in to Guesthouse
• Lunch
• Team building activities - get to know your group
• Capstone Project Launch

Day 2

• Breakfast
• Intro to Iceland Energy Class
• Iceland Geothermal Class
• Energy Efficiency Campus Tour
• Lunch
• Tour One of Iceland’s Largest Geothermal Power Plants
• Mountain Hikes & Hot Springs
• Dinner
• Capstone Ideation

Day 3

• Breakfast
• Hydroelectric Power Class
• Energy Economics Class
• Lunch
• Capstone Development
• Gain Industry Access Inside Iceland’s Oldest Hydroelectric Power Plant
• Experience Local Geothermal Heated Swimming Pools & Spas
• Dinner in Reykjavik, Iceland's Capital

Day 4

• Breakfast
• Visit one of Iceland’s Largest Hydroelectric Power Plants
• Sustainable Greenhouse tour
• Lunch
• Gullfoss & Geysir Exploration (Golden Circle)
• Change Hotels
• Dinner
• Capstone Development

Day 5

• Breakfast
• Glacier Hike
• Lunch
• Waterfall Exploration
• Biofuel Class & Site Visit at the Base of The Famous Eyjafjallajokull Volcano
• Documentary Tour & Local Farm That Experienced Eruption Devastations
• Dinner
• Capstone Development

Day 6

• Breakfast
• Finalize Capstone Projects
• Lunch
• Capstone Presentations at Reykjavik University
• Head to the Highlands
• Dinner

Day 7

• Breakfast
• Hike around the Highlands
• Lunch
• Super Jeep Excursions
• Dinner
• Final Dinner & Reflections

Day 8

• Breakfast
• Free time to walk around Reykjavik
• Airport Dropoffs & Departures

*Note: Itineraries are subject to change 

Our new summer programs feature additions in sustainable travel, outdoor ethics and leadership, and Leave No Trace principles in addition to our renewable energy course. Our summer programs will also involve more hiking and outdoor excursions than our winter or spring programs. Participants should be prepared to hike through various terrains for several miles per day (for 2-3 days) and camp in Iceland's nature! 

Day 1 Welcome to Iceland!

• Airport Pickups   

• Meet the Team

• Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula

• Check in to Guesthouse

• Lunch

• Team building activities - get to know your group

• Capstone Project Launch

Day 2

• Breakfast

• Intro to Iceland Energy Class

• Iceland Geothermal Class

• Energy Efficiency Campus Tour

• Lunch

• Sustainable Greenhouse Tour

• Dinner

• Capstone Ideation

Day 3

• Breakfast

• Glacier Hike

• Lunch

• Waterfall Exploration

• Biofuel Class & Site Visit at the Base of The Famous Eyjafjallajokull Volcano

• Documentary Tour & Local Farm That Experienced Eruption Devastations

• Dinner

Day 4

• Breakfast

• Tour One of Iceland’s Largest Geothermal Power Plants

• Experience Local Geothermal Heated Swimming Pools & Spas

• Lunch

• Head to the Highlands

• Introduction to Leave No Trace Practices & Outdoor Ethics

• Camping Night

Day 5

• Breakfast

• Explore the Highlands

• Lunch

• Highlands canyon exploration and hike

• Capstone Development

• Bonfire and dinner

• Camping night

Day 6

• Breakfast

• Pack up camp

• Lunch

• Canyoning Adventure

• Change Hotels

• Dinner

• Capstone Development

Day 7

• Breakfast

• Hydroelectric Power Class

• Lunch

• Hot Spring Hike

• Finalize Capstones

• Dinner in Reykjavik, Iceland's Capital

Day 8

• Breakfast

• Finalize Capstone Projects

• Lunch

• Capstone Presentations at Reykjavik University

• Final Dinner and Reflections

Day 9

• Breakfast

• Free time to walk around Reykjavik

• Airport Dropoffs & Departures

*Note: Itineraries are subject to change

• Pre-program GREEN Educational Materials
• 5 lectures from industry leaders and faculty from the Iceland School of Energy Master’s Program
• 3 ECTS or 1.5 US academic credits transferable from Reykjavik University’s School of Science and Engineering
• Automatic advancement in Iceland School of Energy at Reykjavik University’s Master’s Program application process
• Exclusive access and private tours to world leading hydroelectric, geothermal, and biofuel facilities
• Access and networking opportunities to industry professionals at renewable energy companies
• Capstone Project facilitation and panel assessment
• Icelandic adventure excursions (examples may include super jeeping, glacier walks, caving, glacier snorkeling, hot springs, Golden Circle tour, and more!)
• All breakfasts, lunches, dinners with local cuisine (We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free dietary preferences/restrictions)
• Lodging in several locations throughout the program
• All in-country transportation
• Exclusive, lifetime membership to the GREEN Alumni Network for job postings, career advice, travel opportunities, networking, industry events, and mentorship. Read more about our Alumni benefits. 

Health and Safety

Your comfort and safety are our top priority at The GREEN Program which is why our programs are led by trained and certified staff and guides. For specific information about health and safety in the destination you're visiting, we recommend checking current travel advisories through your state department. (In the U.S., you can find more information here.)

On our Iceland program students participate in a variety of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, glacier walks, super-jeeping, and camping. Individuals should be in generally good health and prepared for 2-3 moderate level hikes for up to 8 hours a day. For our summer programs, participants should be prepared to backpack with 35-50 liter packs and camp for 3-4 days. It's important to consult a physician about any concerns and make sure that any current medical conditions are communicated to our team during the registration process. 

Students are responsible for arranging any necessary vaccinations before their program. You can find the most up to date information and recommendations from the CDC here. Travel medical insurance is also compulsory for our programs. 

Please see our Health & Safety page for more information.

Two easy ways to pay:

(1) Single Pay | $3900
Secure your spot with a one-time, easy payment.

∙ Save money by paying up front

∙ No need to worry about payment reminders

∙ Get started on your adventure right away! 

(2) 3-Step Payment Plan | $4300
Secure your spot with a $500 deposit. Half of the balance is due 4 weeks later. Pay your final payment 6 weeks before your program begins.

∙ Pay for your program over time in three smaller payments

∙  No credit check & no forms to fill out

∙ Get a head start on securing your spot!

For more information on our program pricing please visit our pricing page.

_______________________________
 

Refer a Friend

To say thank you for helping us build our community, students can earn reduced program fees by referring others to our educational adventures. Getting started is simple and we provide you with support and resources to make sharing and standing out as a sustainability advocate in your community easy! Learn more here.

Scholarships, Funding, and University Resources

We understand that funding can be an initial hurdle; however, we've seen our students jump the financing hurdles and make their program a reality. Here are some of the most creative and successful methods our students have used to receive funding. We've seen it all, and know that GREEN students live out the saying "If there is a will, there is a way!" and have earned their spot towards global experiences and opportunities with our programs. We recommed trying a few of these proven methods to help make your program a reality.

Two easy ways to pay:

(1) Single Pay | $3900
Secure your spot with a one-time, easy payment.

∙ Save money by paying up front

∙ No need to worry about payment reminders

∙ Get started on your adventure right away! 

(2) 3-Step Payment Plan | $4300
Secure your spot with a $500 deposit. Half of the balance is due 4 weeks later. Pay your final payment 6 weeks before your program begins.

∙ Pay for your program over time in three smaller payments

∙  No credit check & no forms to fill out

∙ Get a head start on securing your spot!

For more information on our program pricing please visit our pricing page.

_______________________________

Refer a Friend

To say thank you for helping us build our community, students can earn reduced program fees by referring others to our educational adventures. Getting started is simple and we provide you with support and resources to make sharing and standing out as a sustainability advocate in your community easy! Learn more here.

Scholarships, Funding, and University Resources

We understand that funding can be an initial hurdle; however, we've seen our students jump the financing hurdles and make their program a reality. Here are some of the most creative and successful methods our students have used to receive funding. We've seen it all, and know that GREEN students live out the saying "If there is a will, there is a way!" and have earned their spot towards global experiences and opportunities with our programs. We recommend trying a few of these proven methods to help make your program a reality.

Two easy ways to pay:

(1) Single Pay | $3700
Secure your spot with a one-time, easy payment.

∙ Save money by paying up front

∙ No need to worry about payment reminders

∙ Get started on your adventure right away! 

(2) 3-Step Payment Plan | $4100
Secure your spot with a $500 deposit. Half of the balance is due 4 weeks later. Pay your final payment 6 weeks before your program begins.

∙ Pay for your program over time in three smaller payments

∙  No credit check & no forms to fill out

∙ Get a head start on securing your spot!

For more information on our program pricing please visit our pricing page.
_______________________________
 

Refer a Friend

To say thank you for helping us build our community, students can earn reduced program fees by referring others to our educational adventures. Getting started is simple and we provide you with support and resources to make sharing and standing out as a sustainability advocate in your community easy! Learn more here.

Scholarships, Funding, and University Resources

We understand that funding can be an initial hurdle; however, we've seen our students jump the financing hurdles and make their program a reality. Here are some of the most creative and successful methods our students have used to receive funding. We've seen it all, and know that GREEN students live out the saying "If there is a will, there is a way!" and have earned their spot towards global experiences and opportunities with our programs. We recommend trying a few of these proven methods to help make your program a reality.