On successful completion of this module the students will know the basic concepts and principles of thermodynamics and the thermodynamic cycles connected to electric power generation. They will be able to solve problems of heat transfer in regular geometries subjected to different types of boundary conditions, understand, model, and use analytical and numerical techniques for solving heat conduction problems. Students will also review fluid dynamics and the Navier-Stokes equations; boundary layer; similitude and dimensional analysis.

Energy markets, over the last several decades, have become some of the most dynamic markets of the world economy, as they experienced a shift from heavy regulation to market-driven incentives. Investments in the energy system are evaluated with the tools and models of financial theory. This module acquaints students with some of the widely used methods of energy investment appraisal, develops step-by-step tools for comparative evaluation of alternative energy plans based on their financial data and analyzes their sensitivity to individual evaluation parameters. Specific examples are used (in the form of Excel spreadsheets) for the evaluation of RES energy plans.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight to electricity. The module will cover the areas of solar radiation, solar system components and their functions, dimensioning of solar cell systems, solar thermal and hybrid systems, grid aspects of large-scale deployment of solar cells. Specific topics to be covered include types of solar power plants, site selection and shadow analysis, selection of PV technology, PV module sizing, connection of PV modules, design of plant array layout, solar power plant substation design, etc. The module will also address the conversion of Biomass to energy through various processes, including direct combustion, thermochemical conversion (pyrolysis, gasification) to produce solid, gaseous, and liquid fuels, and biological conversion. Geothermal energy principles and technologies for power production (geothermal power plants), and direct uses like district heating, geothermal heat pumps, greenhouses, and other applications will also be presented.

Wind or Aeolic energy is one of the oldest energy sources exploited by humans. The technology of extracting energy from the wind has evolved appreciably over the recent past. This module provides a thorough overview of the topics which are fundamental to understanding the conversion of wind energy to electricity and its use. These topics span a wide range, from meteorology to many fields of engineering, such as:  wind resource and how it relates to energy production, aerodynamic principles, electrical aspects of wind energy conversion, wind turbine materials and components, wind system controls, integration into electrical systems both large and small. The module also examines electricity generation from small-scale hydroelectric projects (typically from 500KW to 2.5-5MW), which in Greece and internationally have great power generation potential, mainly at the local level. "Run-of-the-river" projects, which, unlike large-scale hydroelectric projects, do not require large dams and pump storage are examined. The module introduces the essential concepts of hydrology for hydropower and presents the fundamentals of project planning, site selection (hydropower potential assessment), and SHPP design (civil, hydraulic, and mechanical components).

Power: Principles of Energy Conversion. Electric Power Production, Transmission and Distribution. Smart Electricity Grids. Advances in Energy Storage Systems: The module is an introduction to the electric power system which encompasses the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution network as well as all the control and telecommunications components that are necessary for its operation. One of the most important requirements for the operation of an electric power system is to provide power where and when is needed. The balance between power supply and demand is more difficult to achieve when part of the energy generation mix are renewable energy sources. The module addresses the development and use of smart electricity grids as well as current advances in energy storage systems to support movement towards an integrated energy system.

The efficient use of energy is perfectly aligned with utilization of renewable energy sources. For many reasons, the building stock is an ideal candidate for interventions in both directions. Renovated buildings need to save energy and substantially reduce emissions. Whether minimizing heat losses in the envelope, paying attention to thermal bridges and airtightness, installing low-consumption lighting, or incorporating energy-efficient HVAC equipment, etc. today’s challenge is how to “meet new technical standards, comply with more rigorous legislation, and respond to increased awareness of environmental issues”. This elective module aims to present in a systematic way the modern approaches to energy and cost-efficient retrofitting of existing buildings. It describes materials, technologies, and optimization techniques, through lectures and carefully selected case studies. It provides checklists, methodologies, and practical tools to make the task easier for the engineer.

Design of the foundation and tower, for modern onshore wind turbines. Design of offshore wind turbine support structures, considering wave loads, fatigue and vibrational excitations and the interaction between the turbine and the sea bottom and state of the sea. PV park pre-installation surveying, design, construction, and installation, maintenance and troubleshooting. PV and the built environment.

This module covers all important aspects of hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and end use across the energy, industrial, transport and building sectors.

Hydrogen can be used as a feedstock, a fuel or an energy carrier and as storage device for energy, and has many possible applications across industry, transport, power, and buildings sectors. Most importantly, it does not emit CO2 and does not pollute the air when used. It is therefore an important part of the solution to meet the 2050 climate neutrality goal of the European Green Deal and key to keep the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. It can help to decarbonise industrial processes, especially those of high-energy intensity, and economic sectors where reducing carbon emissions is both urgent and hard to achieve. Today, the amount of hydrogen used in the EU remains limited, and it is largely produced from fossil fuels. The aim of the new EU strategy is to decarbonise hydrogen production - made possible by the rapid decline in the cost of renewable energy, acceleration of technology developments and scaling up hydrogen systems to reduce their cost - and to expand its use in sectors where it can replace fossil fuels.

Independent Scholarship/ Dissertation in Renewable & Sustainable Energy Systems: The Independent Scholarship forms an essential, integral, and substantial part of the program leading to the master’s degree in Renewable Energy Engineering. This module requires students to produce a coherent and comprehensive research-based study, demonstrating their ability to generate a complex proposal and their awareness of current issues and insights, originality in the application of subject knowledge and, where appropriate, proposing new hypotheses.