Corexsolar Solar Farm Welcomes Future Engineers from UTM

In an effort to strengthen the ties between academia and industry, the 5 MW solar farm at Petite-Rivière recently opened its doors to a group of around fifteen students from the University of Technology of Mauritius (UTM), enrolled in the Master of Science in Engineering (MScEng) program specializing in Renewable Energy.

During the visit, which took place on December 5, the students had the opportunity to explore various technical and operational aspects of a solar power plant, as well as the strategic challenges associated with large-scale solar energy production.

This educational visit was part of a fruitful collaboration between UTM and Corexsolar International, a leader in the development, construction, and operation of solar farms in the Indian Ocean region.

Franck Rivas, the Managing Director of Corexsolar International, praised UTM’s commitment to training specialized professionals, emphasizing the necessity of building robust bridges between academia and the industrial sector.

“It is crucial to link universities and companies to enable students to gain a concrete vision of their future professional environment.

These exchanges enhance their ability to integrate swiftly and effectively into the workforce,” he noted.

Rivas expressed his hope that this initial meeting would pave the way for more exchanges and collaborations between Corexsolar and UTM, aimed at boosting academic opportunities and advancing research in renewable energy in the region.

Under the guidance of the engineering team at SPV Petite-Rivière, including Janesh Hungur, Samir Zebouchi, and Technical Manager Ishraj Bahadoor, the future engineers received practical demonstrations and detailed explanations regarding the technologies employed, as well as operations and maintenance (O&M) processes, and the integration of renewable energies into energy networks.

Mirnal Mungra, a lecturer and director of the MScEng Renewable Energy program at UTM, as well as a Chartered Energy Engineer, described the educational visit as a significant milestone in the students’ training.

“This practical initiative complements classroom theoretical teachings, allowing our students to better grasp real-world applications.

Such collaborations enhance their ability to tackle the technical and environmental challenges facing the industry.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Corexsolar International for this exceptional opportunity,” Mungra stated.

He highlighted that the MScEng Renewable Energy program, which is a first for both Mauritius and Africa, is the result of a close partnership between UTM and stakeholders in the renewable energy sector.

The program aims to equip students with advanced skills and tools to meet the growing demands of a rapidly expanding sector.

“With the national goal of reaching 60% renewable energy by 2030 and reducing coal usage, it is essential to train experts capable of leading this energy transition.

Our students receive cutting-edge preparation, both academically and practically,” he added.

As Mauritius embarks on an ambitious energy transition, Mungra stressed the importance of fostering dynamic collaborations between higher education and industry to achieve more impactful outcomes.

“The combined efforts of UTM and Corexsolar International are a tangible testament to how such partnerships can be beneficial both for students and for the country’s energy transition,” he concluded.

Source: Le Mauricien