Adventures from the NRG Battle

I admit it, I am a big fan of the NRG Battle concept. (www.nrgbattle.nl) There is really no mystery to it. Just look what they have to offer the students:

“The NRG Battle is a great opportunity for you to meet with big names in the industry and work with students from various backgrounds on important energy issues. These issues have been provided in the form of a case by (inter)national leading energy companies. All teams receive support from an expert, assigned to them by the company that has provided the case. Together with your team and coach you will work on innovative ideas all day long.”

This concept fits like a glove with our own didactical concept that is grounded in learning by doing. The NRG Battle simply provides the perfect context and ambiance. It is not just a great opportunity and challenging learning experience for all, it is also a lot of fun. 

Out of 65 competing teams, 14 were selected for the final battle (two MIC teams!), which was held last week in the Martiniplaza. Big names indeed. CEO’s of major international energy companies were there to judge the work of the students.  The students savored the opportunity. Supported by their coaches, Astrid “the pinnacle of perfection” Berg – the nickname is the student’s – and Erik Kostelijk, they dove in all looking and acting smashing.  Pepijn van den Broeke took the pictures to prove it (www.pepijnvandenbroeke.nl) .

I am so proud of the MIC contribution! Not just of the success, but especially the drive and dedication of both students and teachers.

One of the our teams won “Best presentation award” during the preliminaries. On the right we see that team preparing: Faustine (France), Coach Erik Kostelijk, Narita (Indonesia), Grace (Kenya), Judith (Germany and Ada (Peru). On the left, members of the Gasterra Team preparing,:Melanie (Germany), Yael (France) and Apostolia from Greece .Their case: The language of energy. How do we spread the word? (Online communication)

 

About Gasterra: GasTerra is a company that is active in the worldwide trade and supply of natural gas. It operates on the Dutch and European energy markets and occupies a prime position in both. GasTerra has over 40 years? experience in the purchase and sale of natural gas.
GasTerra recognises that our energy reserves need to be made more sustainable. To accelerate the transition from an energy management based primarily on fossil fuels to one that is 100% renewable, GasTerra is promoting the development and deployment of energy-efficient applications for natural gas. In this context, it has launched various projects, including the development of the successor to the high efficiency boiler, the micro-CHP.

And the Siemens team (www.siemens.com)

And members of the MIC SIemens team: Alberto (Italy) and Eda Sofia (Mexico).

Their case: The STC-ECO compressor: Made for now and the future (marketing-communication)

About Siemens: Electricity consumption continues to rise. Carbon reduction targets get tougher year by year. Our customers expect more reliable, more economical, more environmentally responsible solutions than ever before. And that?s precisely what Siemens is dedicated to delivering, across the entire energy conversion chain.

Although the teams did not win the prize ( a documentary on National Geographic), they did a great job. Their clients are now exploring how to implement the solutions they presented. From a university perspective, I would need to say, a great valorization of results. From a personal perspective I would simply say. Job well done, kids, I’m proud of you!

Siegmund  Audiovisual Productions was there to capture the student’s experience.

Iekje Smit
Consortium Chair