The Lithuanian operator of electric power transmission system Litgrid AB, and Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) have recently inked a brand new agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation between the national power industry giant and one of the best high education institutions in Lithuania.
Litgrid AB is focused on ensuring the continuous provision of electricity and the ongoing control of power flows. Moreover, it aims at facilitating healthy competition in the open electrical power market across the region. Meanwhile, the KTU Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEF) is the leading institution in terms of preparing highly qualified and sought after specialists of electrical engineering and electric power systems in the Baltic States.
The newly signed agreement shall allow both parties to improve the process of integrating state-of-the-art technological solutions and scientifically advanced innovations whilst increasing the quality of preparing highly qualified future specialists in the field of electric power systems maintenance and control.
“In order to build a successful career in Litgrid, young specialists need to develop a comprehensive understanding of the entire energy system – from power production to the end user. Furthermore, it is very important that an electric systems operator has at least some international experience as our key business activity crosses multiple international borders and covers the implementation of diverse international projects with our partners from Europe and other regions. Therefore, amongst the key values that we seek in our future employees is the ability to comprehend complex processes in an exceptionally wide context. Only then can the end user and the entire society enjoy the greatest benefits,” explained Daivis Virbickas, the CEO of Litgrid.
According to the executive, the graduates of KTU Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering already account for more than a half of specialists currently employed by Litgrid.
“This agreement marks a new stepping stone in our longstanding cooperation with the company. Our department is famous for its highly qualified and accredited academic staff and Litgrid is a globally renowned industry giant. By joining forces we will significantly improve the quality of specialists training and thus facilitate an even brighter future for the energy sector in the region,” commented the Head of the Department of Electric Power Systems at KTU EEF prof. Saulius Gudzius.
The professor points out that based on the global experience, collaboration between academic institutions and businesses always leads to high leaps in technological development. In turn, the successful implementation of technologically advanced solutions significantly increases the competitiveness of such businesses in international arenas.
Based on the newly signed agreement, the University takes upon itself to assist the company in seeking new technological, economic and organizational solutions as well as facilitate the engagement of the company’s employees in the relevant KTU activities, including seminars, scientific conferences, etc. Moreover, it declares its commitment to cooperate in the process of conducting scientific research and implementing diverse HR development and other projects.
In cooperation with Litgrid, the KTU EEF Department of Electric Power Systems shall focus on improving its study programmes to ensure the appropriate training of the future Litgrid employees. The company executives shall be actively engaged in assessing the final theses of the Department graduates, choosing the most relevant research topics, arranging local and international internships as well as creating new jobs.
The company takes upon itself to engage the Department scientists in the discussion aimed at addressing the strategic issues of the electrical energy sector. The best KTU students shall be further incentivized with additional scholarships established by the company and granted invitations to conduct funded internships abroad.
