The double degree option allows students to obtain, within two years of studying in the RTU master’s programme “Environmental Engineering”, an additional diploma awarded by the University of Milano-Bicocca.
According to the programme structure, during the second semester of the second year of studies, RTU “Environmental Engineering” master’s students will study in Italy and prepare their master’s thesis under the supervision of two academic supervisors – one from RTU and one from the University of Milano-Bicocca. Similarly, students from Italy will be able to participate in the double degree programme in Riga.
RTU students will be able to receive the Italian university diploma in one of two specialisations – “Environmental Sustainability” or “Environmental Quality and Management”, while the RTU diploma can be awarded in one of three specialisations – “Environmental Engineering”, “Circular Bioeconomy” or “Climate Neutrality and Sustainability Governance”. To support participation in the double degree programme, students may also apply for an Erasmus scholarship.
“The University of Milano-Bicocca is ranked among the TOP 500 universities worldwide according to the Times Higher Education ranking, and cooperation with such universities is one of RTU’s strategic priorities. At RTU VASSI, we have long collaborated with the University of Milano-Bicocca in various research projects, and the double degree option is a continuation of this cooperation. The university is relatively young – founded in 1998 – and has developed rapidly, becoming an important research centre in Europe in sustainability and other fields,” says Prof. Jūlija Gušča, Director of the “Environmental Engineering” study programme at RTU.
For RTU VASSI “Environmental Engineering” master’s students, this is already the second opportunity to obtain a double degree. Since 2009, students of this master’s programme have been able to earn a double degree at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University.
RTU VASSI offers individually developed lifelong learning programs that are created specifically for the needs of the customer – from problem analysis to practically applicable curriculum. The programs are developed and implemented by experienced faculty and industry experts, ensuring high quality and transfer of the latest knowledge.
Benefits
- A program that exactly matches your challenges and goals
- Strengthening competencies in environmental engineering and sustainability
- Practical solutions for everyday work
- Increased competitiveness and compliance with current environmental requirements
Who is it suitable for?
- For companies
- State administrations
- Municipalities
- Non-governmental organizations
- Professional associations
If you are not sure whether your training needs meet the areas of competence of RTU VASSI, contact us – we will help you evaluate the idea and offer the most suitable solution.
Contact email: [email protected]
Our services are available HERE.
]]>The event is organized to introduce scientists to the cutting-edge achievements in the fields of energy systems and environmental engineering and to provide researchers – especially doctoral students – with the opportunity to publish the results of their work.
Each year, CONECT brings together around 200 scientists and researchers from more than 25 countries.
The main focus of this year’s conference will be on:
- Bioresources;
- Biotechnologies;
- Climate Communication;
- District Heating;
- Energy Efficiency;
- Environmental and Energy Policy Frameworks;
- Low Carbon Development and the Bioeconomy;
- Renewable Energy Technologies;
- Sustainability and Resilience.
Conference papers are published in an Open Access journal Environmental and Climate Technologies https://ect-journals.rtu.lv/ and are indexed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. A selection of papers is recommended for submission as extended publications to other journals, which are also indexed in the Scopus database.
We invite you to take the opportunity to participate in the conference with your research by submitting:
- Abstracts by February 3rd;
- Papers by March 17th ;
- Posters by April 14th;
- Presentations by May 11th.
Early Bird registration will be available until March 31st; thereafter, registration will continue at the standard fee until May 1st . To apply, please visit: https://conect.rtu.lv/registration/
]]>This high state award was granted for special merits for the benefit of the Latvian state, confirming her outstanding contribution to science, education and the promotion of sustainable development. The professor’s work has significantly influenced the development of the fields of energy and environmental protection in Latvia and beyond, as well as inspired generations of young researchers.
The award will be presented on the anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia – November 18 – at the Riga Castle, at a solemn ceremony in the presence of the President of the Republic and the Chapter of the Orders.
We sincerely congratulate Professor Dagnija Blumberga on this high award and thank her for her invaluable contribution!
More information HERE!
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About the EVBAT Project
The EVBAT project addresses the growing needs of the battery sector by adopting a sustainable by design approach to next generation battery development. With a focus on swappable batteries for electric mobility, starting with E-scooters, EVBAT will deliver:
- Up to 30% CO₂ savings across the battery value chain
- Reduced charging times, addressing one of the most crucial challenges in the sector
- A circular and user-friendly solution for the future of urban mobility
Meet the EVBAT Consortium
The project brings together a diverse and interdisciplinary team of innovators from academia, research, and industry:
- HYBA (Italy) – Lead partner and producer of the innovative swappable battery system
- VENT MOTO (Italy) – Vehicle prototype developer
- LEVOX (Spain) – battery swapping station prototype developer for the pilot
- SE&C IKE (Greece) – Project management and dissemination
- RĪGAS TEHNISKĀ UNIVERSITĀTE (Latvia) – Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment and Critical Raw Material Evaluation
Funding & Support
This project is proudly funded by EIT RawMaterials and the Horizon Europe programme, driving innovation in sustainable mobility across Europe.
How to approach climate neutrality step by step and smartly integrate renewable resources? In the seminar, we will look for answers by delving into the synergies of wind and hydrogen, as well as getting to know best practice examples from the Baltic Sea region and discussing the latest policy trends.
We will offer an insight into innovative technologies, current events in the field of emissions and emissions trading, as well as the “hottest” topics that are currently important for municipalities and ministries.
Additionally, there will be an opportunity to get acquainted with the renewable energy transition roadmap and participate in a practical workshop, where we will try out innovative planning platforms for developing local energy strategies.
Participation in the seminar is free of charge, but the number of places is limited! Please register for the event by October 2 here: https://forms.office.com/e/svesRsY832
The seminar language is English, the workshop is in Latvian.
| Time | CONTENT |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Registration |
| 10:30 – 10:40 | Seminar opening |
| 10:40 – 11:10 | Wind and Hydrogen Synergy: Pathways to a Sustainable Future, prof. Dagnija Blumberga, Riga Technical University |
| 11:10 – 11:30 | Liepāja Municipality’s Development Path towards 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030, Karlis Beihmanis, Liepaja Municipality |
| 11:30 – 11:50 | The Tomelilla Example: A Municipal Perspective on RES Deployment and Tool Application, Ellen Boije af Gennäs Erre, Tomelilla minicipality |
| 11:50 – 12:10 | The Development Journey of Kuldīga Municipality, Agate Zirne, Kuldiga municipality |
| Break | |
| 13:00 – 13:30 | Emission trading system for buildings, road transport, and small industry (ETS2): How will we manage it together? Lelde Vistarte, Ministry of Climate and Energy |
| 13:30 – 13:50 | Roadmap for renewable energy transition in BSR municipalities, Per-Johan Wik, Sustainable Business Hub |
| Workshop for municipalities* | |
| 14:00 – 15:00 | Hands-on Workshop: Exploring the EnergyEquilibrium and CommitClimate Platforms, Alīna Safronova, Zane Pīpkalēja and Dace Lauka |
*in Latvian language
Seminar is organized within project Energy Equilibrium and CommitClimate, financed by Interreg Baltic Sea Region program.
Wind energy is becoming an increasingly popular resource in Latvia, and questions often arise: How many wind power plants do we actually need? What capacities and sizes should be built? Where will we store surplus renewable electricity? And why should we consider hydrogen production? It’s time to clarify these uncertainties.
The Institute of Energy Systems and Environment at Riga Technical University (RTU VASSI) has developed a lifelong learning study module titled “Integrated Wind Energy Systems and Hydrogen.”
In this course, we will jointly analyse, discuss, and reflect on wind power plants and hydrogen production—exploring technological solutions and their integration into existing energy systems, based on economic, social, regulatory, environmental, and climate-related aspects.
The study module consists of three courses, each worth 5 ECTS credits. The full 15 ECTS module is designed so that each course builds upon the previous one. Participants may choose to complete the entire module or enrol in individual courses. The credits earned can also be recognised in bachelor’s and master’s programs within relevant specialisations.
Target audience: Municipal employees, entrepreneurs, energy planners, investors, sustainability specialists
Language of instruction: Latvian
Schedule: Fridays from 10:00 to 16:00, starting on September 5, 2025, until December 12, 2025 (The implementation schedule for each study course is provided below.)
Format and location: In-person at Āzenes Street 12/1, Riga
Prices
| “Integrated wind energy systems and hydrogen. System integration” (5 ECTS)
Early registration (until 01.07.2025) |
445 Euro
350 Euro |
| “Integrated wind energy systems and hydrogen. Technological solutions” (5 ECTS)
Early registration (until 01.07.2025) |
445 Euro
350 Euro |
| “Integrated wind energy systems and hydrogen. Rationale” (5 ECTS)
Early registration (until 01.07.2025) |
445 Euro
350 Euro |
| Entire study module (15 ECTS)
Early registration (until 01.07.2025) |
1335 Euro
1050 Euro |
Register here:
STUDY MODULE PROGRAM:
Study course “Integrated Wind Energy Systems and Hydrogen. System Integration” (5 ECTS) program
| 05.09.25 | Introduction to the study course. Renewable seasonal energy sources, hydrogen systems. Systems integration
Responsible lecturer – Professor Dr.hab.sc.ing. Dagnija Blumberga |
| 12.09.25 | Modeling future energy systems. Computer modeling. System dynamics model for local government
Responsible lecturer – tenured professor Dr.sc.ing. Andra Blumberga |
| 19.09.25 | Wind energy systems
Responsible lecturer – Docent Ph.D. Vivita Priedniece |
| 26.09.25 | Solar PV systems and sustainable biomass systems
Responsible lecturer – Associate Professor Dr.sc.ing. Edgars Vīgants |
| 03.10.25 | Gray, blue and green hydrogen. Biohydrogen
Responsible lecturer – Associate Professor Dr.sc.ing. Anna Kubule |
Study course “Integrated wind energy systems and hydrogen. Technological solutions” (5 ECTS) program
| 10.10.25 | Accumulation Systems
Responsible lecturer – Docent Ph.D. Ritvars Freimanis |
| 17.10.25 | Urban Environment: Wind Power and Hydrogen Infrastructure
Responsible lecturer – Professor Dr.sc.ing. Jeļena Pubule |
| 24.10.25 | Energy user characteristics: energy centers, energy communities, aggregators
Responsible lecturer – Associate Professor Dr.sc.ing. Ruta Vanaga |
| 31.10.25 | Electrolysis technologies
Responsible lecturer – Professor Dr.hab.sc.ing. Dagnija Blumberga |
| 07.11.25 | Technological aspects of hydrogen systems. Computer modeling
Responsible lecturer – Associate Professor Dr.sc.ing. Vladimirs Kirsanovs |
Study course “Integrated wind energy systems and hydrogen. Sustainability rationale” (5 ECTS) program
| 14.11.25 | Economic aspects of hydrogen systems
Responsible lecturer – Professor Dr.sc.ing. Gatis Bažbauers |
| 21.11.25 | Climate justification for hydrogen systems
Responsible lecturer – Docent Ph.D. Ilze Vamža |
| 28.11.25 | Environmental impact assessment of hydrogen systems
Responsible lecturer – Professor Dr.sc.ing. Jeļena Pubule |
| 05.12.25 | Life cycle analysis. Computer modeling
Responsible lecturer – Professor Dr.sc.ing. Jūlija Gušča |
| 12.12.25 | Socioeconomic and legislative aspects of hydrogen systems
Responsible lecturer – Associate Professor Ph.D. Līga Rozentāle |
Call for Applications: 11 PhD Positions at RTU Institute of Energy Systems and Environment (IESE) in Riga (Latvia)
The RTU Institute of Energy Systems and Environment (IESE) is a leading research institute specializing in innovative solutions for energy systems, environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. With a strong track record of impactful research projects, international collaborations, and cutting-edge technological developments, IESE offers PhD candidates a stimulating academic environment equipped with advanced laboratories and expert supervision. Choosing IESE means joining a vibrant community dedicated to addressing some of the most pressing global challenges through interdisciplinary research and practical applications.
We are pleased to announce 11 fully funded* PhD positions in the following research areas, each offered as part of a 4 year full-time Doctoral Studies program with a start between 1 October 2025-1 January 2026:
- “Municipal-Scale Equilibrium between Carbon Drivers and Energy Use” (continuation of the successful project “Energy Equilibrium”)
- “Valorization and sustainability assessment of industrial conifer bark” (within “SuperBark” project)
- “Carbon farming certification system” (within “CarbFarmS” project)
- “Systems Dynamics modelling for climate neutrality” (read more about the project)
- “Behavioral interventions for transition to circular economy” (within “CIRCLEUP” project)
- “Resilience assessment in district heating systems” (within “DH INERTIA” project)
- “Textile fiber recycling from mixed streams” (within “PESCO-UP” project)
- “Multi-Energy Carrier Integration and Energy Hub concept” (within “OptiEnergyHub” project)
- “Resource efficiency strategies for circular bioeconomy” (read more about the project)
- “Policy planning for carbon sequestration in agroforestry” (within “CarbPol” project)
- “Hydrogen carriers for regional resilience of energy sector” (within “HI2 Valley” project)
*Study funding is available for the EU residents. Tuition fees apply for non-EU candidates.
Requirements:
We are seeking motivated, research-driven candidates with a Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field (for the positions No.3 and No.10 – students with a Master’s degree in Policy and No. 5 – in Social or Behavioral Sciences are particularly welcome)
Strong/clear research interest relevant to the scope of the project/aligned with one or more of the listed projects
Full English proficiency
Experience/Hands-on experience relevant to the above-mentioned research areas/projects will be considered an advantage
Skills in experimental design, data analysis and scientific writing
Able to work independently under supervision
Deadline for application: 11 August 2025.
Interested applicants are invited prior to send their CV and 1 page motivation letter via email to [email protected] with the subject reference: “PhD Position (please state the PhD title here)”.
The project will be implemented from February 7, 2024, to February 6, 2026. The total budget of the project is 1,162,500.00 EUR.
Find more information here: https://videszinatne.rtu.lv/en/science/project-and-research/climate-neutrality-decision-models-in-action/
The webinar will be held on January 23 from 10.30-12.30 (EET) on the MS Teams platform.
The webinar will be in English.
Registration for the seminar is open until January 22. The registration form is available below. After registration, a link to the MS Teams platform will be sent to the e-mail address specified in the form a day before the seminar.
The webinar is implemented in the framework of the Nordic Energy Research project WasteHeatSES.
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