Expertise is needed for the energy transition

Mery Hach is studying energy and process engineering at RPTU in Kaiserslautern. With this subject, she says, she is learning the basics to be able to work on the challenges of the energy transition later on, for example.

"I really liked the connected campus right from the start. And also that the university in Kaiserslautern is very close to nature, right next to the Palatinate Forest," recalls Mery Hach, who is in her sixth semester of the Bachelor's degree course in Energy and Process Engineering at RPTU - and who left her home region especially for her university education: "I was born in Fulda in East Hesse." Why did she choose to study Energy and Process Engineering? "I wanted to do something in the scientific and technical field. Before studying, I had trained as a chemical technician in a mining company. And I wanted to build on that." She adds: "My degree course gives me a broad base. For example, we look at how processes can be technically implemented. How resources can be converted into energy. I am particularly fascinated by the large plants in which something new is created from raw materials." Thermodynamics or fluid mechanics, for example, are on the timetable for the budding engineer: "The course is made up of lectures and exercises. In the lab, we carry out experiments in small groups." And as the number of students is manageable, everything is very informal.

Renewable energies are part of the varied course

In addition to process engineering and conventional energy technology, the course also deals with the future topic of renewable energies. Mery Hach: "At the moment, however, it's mainly important for me to learn the basics behind it." The topic of renewable energies is, of course, very promising for the future: "To be able to manage the energy transition, you need people who know about it." In general, the career prospects after studying engineering are very good: "You can stay in research afterwards or work for a company, for example as an operating engineer."

And what should you bring with you to get through a degree course in energy and process engineering? "An interest in technology. A good understanding of mathematics is also an advantage for an engineering degree. And you should enjoy dealing with problems and want to solve them." And also: "I recommend looking for study partners, then a lot of things are easier" - making contacts was no problem for the Hessian-born student. She really likes learning and living on campus in Kaiserslautern. After completing her Bachelor's degree, she wants to remain loyal to RPTU - and continue with a Master's degree. (CP)

Source: This article was first published in a special supplement to the daily newspaper "DIE RHEINPFALZ" in May 2023.