The Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering of Riga Technical University (RTU) presented jointly developed projects, signing a cooperation agreement, and opened the "Moving Energy" exhibition, strengthening the long-lasting cooperation between the University and the Latvian transmission system operator AS ‘Augstsprieguma tīkls’ (AST).

‘Technological progress makes companies and academia cooperate more and more. Exchange of information about the latest events in the development of energy engineering is important not only to the students who consider their job opportunities, but also to their instructors who must be aware of the latest trends. We are happy to have RTU instructors completing internships at our company this year in order to improve their study programmes and give the latest knowledge to their students,’ AST board chairman Varis Boks said about this close cooperation.

‘Collaborating with industry is one of RTU’s priorities, and AST is one of the best examples of such collaboration: together, we have carried out research projects, the company provides internships for the university’s students, and provides valuable advice on developing our curriculum. Plus, more than 30% of AST employees graduated from RTU,’ RTU rector, academician Leonīds Ribickis pointed out.

A software tool developed by researchers from the Institute of Electrical Engineering of RTU Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering and AST experts and intended to simplify the everyday work of operators in all the three Baltic states was presented during the event. This tool can assess the situation within the Baltic electric power transmission network in real time, making forecasts and providing recommendations, thus enabling the more efficient use of resources.

The collaboration agreement implies scientific work in electrical engineering and transfer of knowledge and technology to working environments, promoting development and growth. AST will provide internships to RTU students, in accordance with their study programmes.

Additionally, during the event, the ‘Moving Energy' photo exhibition was opened in the central lobby of the RTU Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering, which will be available until 3 May. The exhibition includes works by Reinis Hofmanis, which centre around AST employees as manifestations of energy, which, like the constantly moving electric charges, enable continuous, safe and sustainable energy management throughout Latvia.