About the Program

The International Community Energy Challenge is a Hydrogen Learning Network Initiative Directed by Dr. Anna Demeo from UPEI. It is a week long collaboration between universities from five countries. The objective is to immerse students in both the culture and community of the Faroe Islands while they tackle a real and current energy project for a local business or organization. Student teams will research, develop and propose solutions for community clients. The outcome is to both provide clients with a fresh perspective for their business or organization while offering students the opportunity to work across disciplines to conceptualize solutions and put classroom skills to use in a tangible way.

The International Community Challenge is a week long collaboration between universities from five countries. The objective is to immerse students in both the culture and community of Faroe Islands while they tackle a real and current energy project for a local business or organization. Student teams will research, develop and propose solutions for community clients. The outcome is to both provide clients with a fresh perspective for their business or organization while offering students the opportunity to work across disciplines to conceptualize solutions and put classroom skills to use in a tangible way.

Students will come from universities in Canada, Iceland, Norway, Scotland, and the Faroe Islands. The students will represent a variety of disciplines including Engineering, Business, Communication, Environmental Studies/Climate Change and others. Each Challenge team will be created to represent an international mix of students and disciplines with each team working directly with one client over the six day challenge.

Often the largest barrier for businesses, in terms of adopting or adapting energy, sustainability or conservation practices, is the time and expertise to investigate solutions and understand the cost, logistics and implementation implications. Student teams, with the guidance of a dedicated faculty member, can research and propose useful solutions while learning valuable lessons regarding the interdisciplinary nature of business and energy. The profile of clients will vary widely. Program facilitators will work directly with interested clients to determine suitable projects for the scope of this endeavor.

There are several benefits to being a client participant in the International Community Energy Challenge

including:

● Getting a fresh perspective from the student team

● Having a problem Investigated that you may not have the time or capacity to address

● Providing visibility to your company and sector

● Providing an international learning experience to students

● Meet students and mentors from other countries

● Be part of a new, exciting, and innovative learning event!