The first edition of the postgraduate program “Education for Sustainable Development: Offshore Wind Energy”- conducted at the University of Gdańsk by the UG Centre for the Maritime Economics Studies in cooperation with the Centre for Sustainable Development- concluded with a ceremonial meeting attended by the program’s graduates and Vice-Rector Prof. Sylwia Mrozowska (UG), Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development Dr. Krzysztof Szczepaniak, Director of the Centre for Maritime Economy Research and program head Prof. Dorota Pyć (UG), as well as Paweł Mawduk (representative of Polenergia) and Jakub Budzyński (Vice-President of the Polish Offshore Wind Energy Society).
The meeting took place on July 20, 2023, at the UG Centre for Sustainable Development and was held in a pleasant atmosphere. Brief speeches highlighted numerous arguments justifying the need for interdisciplinary education in the field of renewable energy. It was emphasized that the emerging offshore wind energy sector in Poland brings significant benefits- such as job creation- and that representatives from various industries involved in offshore projects are collaborating with public authorities and other stakeholders. Effective collaboration in this regard relies heavily on employees’ “soft skills.”
The first edition of the study program resulted in the book Education for Sustainable Development: Offshore Wind Energy, which comprises the students’ final projects.
Offshore Wind Energy – Energy with a Future: Admissions Open for the Third Edition of the University of Gdańsk Postgraduate Program. As an emerging sector of Poland’s maritime economy, offshore wind energy presents an opportunity for professional growth and socio-economic development- both for the country as a whole and for the Pomerania region in particular. Consequently, on September 15, 2023, the University of Gdańsk launched admissions for the third edition of the postgraduate program “Education for Sustainable Development: Offshore Wind Energy.” The program is conducted by the UG Centre for the Maritime Economics Studies in collaboration with the UG Centre for Sustainable Development. The studies aim to enhance the competencies of individuals interested in gaining knowledge and securing employment in the offshore sector- a field expanding rapidly in Poland, Europe, and globally. The curriculum covers subjects such as offshore wind energy law, management of offshore wind energy potential, business risk management, energy generation control in offshore wind farms, maritime spatial planning, the role of offshore wind energy in the energy transition, and specialized English. The program focuses on fostering collaboration and communication skills by presenting offshore wind energy issues- spanning law, management, safety, control, and maritime spatial planning- through a multifaceted, interdisciplinary approach that is both scientifically rigorous and practically grounded. Achieving a just energy transition serves as the common thread connecting the program’s twelve courses.
This study program is addressed to: employees of small, medium, and large enterprises, particularly in the energy and technology sectors; public administration staff- especially those involved in energy, energy policy, investment, and project management- who wish to gain knowledge and skills regarding offshore wind energy law, maritime spatial planning, and administrative processes related to offshore wind investments, including stakeholder communication and relations; staff from non-governmental organizations focused on offshore renewable energy and environmental protection within the context of sustainable development; and individuals seeking to retrain for a career in the offshore wind energy sector. This is the only program in Poland dedicated to building competencies in the offshore sector with a focus on achieving sustainable development goals. Through this University of Gdańsk postgraduate program, we strengthen the soft skills required in the offshore wind energy sector- competencies increasingly valued by employers. We foster new, eco-friendly practices and development approaches while supporting existing ones. The curriculum centers on the role of offshore wind energy in sustainable development. The program spans two semesters (totaling 195 hours) and is conducted online on a part-time basis via the MS Teams platform.