Posts By :

Eva Szalma

ShAKE results presented in Korea

 1024 768 Eva Szalma
By:
0

In July 2025, Dr. Balázs Bokor, associate professor and Kende Kocsis, PhD student, visited Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) in South-Korea to disseminate results of the SHaKE project. Students and staff members of the Department of Mechanical Engineering were eager to learn about advances in district heating systems and energy communities. We are happy to have started co-operation with the renowned Korean technical university and look forward to its continuation.

SHAKE topics at the National Scientific Student Conference

 1024 577 Eva Szalma
By:
0

In April 2025 Kende Kocsis (Budapest University of Technology and Economics) and József Kövendi (Pázmány Péter Catholic University) participated in the National Scientific Student Conference (OTDK) competition, where the winners of the institutional student competition compare their knowledge, quality of their work and intellectual prowess with each other. Their work was an economic analysis of the optimal heat connection schemes of a Waste-to-Energy power plant in Southern-Budapest, along with a machine and deep learning based forecasting system for heat demand in the previously mentioned heating zones. Their research topic is integrated into the educational materials of the SHaKE project. Furthermore, Mr Kocsis is an active memeber of the SHaKE team in Budapest, giving several lectures about energy communities worldwide. József and Kende reached third place in their respective section, we would like to congratulate them for their achievement.

Kende Kocsis (left) and József Kövendi (right)

Kende Kocsis, Balázs Bokor, coordinator of the SHaKE project and József Kövendi

Exploring Energy Efficiency and Cultural Connections: Study Week at BME

 1024 768 Eva Szalma
By:
0

From 17 to 21 March 2025, the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) welcomed 24 students from across Europe for the ATHENS+EELISA course: Efficient Energy Supply of Buildings. Hosted by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, the week brought together a vibrant international group for a deep dive into sustainable energy solutions and an unforgettable cultural exchange.

A Thoughtfully Curated Experience

Organized by Balázs Bokor and Kende Kocsis (Department of Building Service and Process Engineering) and Szücs Botond (Department of Energy Engineering), the course combined engaging lectures, real-world site visits, and interactive teamwork sessions.

Participants explored key topics such as:

  • Efficient heat and electricity supply in buildings
  • District heating systems
  • Applications of machine learning in energy management
  • Soft skills for interdisciplinary teamwork
Learning Beyond the Classroom

What made this course stand out was the integration of practical experiences with theoretical learning. Students visited Westend City Centre, where they observed large-scale HVAC systems in operation, and BOSCH Thermotechnics, gaining insight into real-world heat pump applications. Team projects encouraged collaboration across cultures, making learning dynamic and inclusive.

A Positive, Interactive Atmosphere

Beyond academics, the week fostered strong community spirit. Social activities, cultural outings, and group work created a friendly and supportive environment where participants could grow not only as engineers but also as global citizens.

The March 2025 edition of the ATHENS+EELISA course reaffirmed the value of combining technical education with hands-on experience and international dialogue. We’re proud to have hosted such a motivated and diverse group of students and look forward to welcoming the next cohort!

International Students Gather in Budapest for an Inspiring Study Week on Energy Efficiency

 1024 768 Eva Szalma
By:
0

From November 18–22, 2024, the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) hosted an enriching and multifaceted study week as part of the ATHENS+EELISA course titled Efficient Energy Supply of Buildings. Welcoming students from across Europe, the event offered an intensive academic and cultural experience centered around the challenges and innovations of sustainable energy systems.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in a mix of expert-led lectures, hands-on teamwork, site visits, and cultural activities. Highlights of the academic program included insightful lectures by Professors Balázs and Botond, whose engaging teaching styles and practical examples left a strong impression. A teamwork project woven into the schedule allowed students to apply their newly acquired knowledge in a collaborative and creative setting—an experience many found especially valuable and fun.

The course was carefully designed to connect theory with real-world applications. One standout activity was the visit to the Westend Shopping Mall, where students examined practical implementations of heating and energy systems in a commercial setting. This provided tangible context to complement the academic content.

Many students left with more than just academic insights—they formed friendships, expanded their cultural horizons, and gained inspiration for their future careers and thesis work. What made this study week special was its ability to blend academic depth with cross-cultural exchange. Whether exploring the thermal dynamics of buildings, discussing energy challenges with international peers, or simply discovering the charm of Budapest, students experienced a dynamic and inspiring learning environment.

This course was organized in the framework of ATHENS Week and supported by the EELISA alliance and the SHaKE (Sharing Heat and Knowledge on Energy Communities) project, fostering collaboration and innovation in higher education across Europe.

SHaKE Project holds 3rd Transnational Meeting in Budapest

 1024 640 Eva Szalma
By:
0

The third transnational project meeting of the SHaKE initiative took place on 2 September 2024 at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME). Representatives from BME, Université PSL, and Universitat Jaume I gathered to discuss project progress, share updates on educational material development, and coordinate upcoming dissemination activities.

The agenda focused on:
• Progress toward the second periodic report and quality monitoring
• Updates on stakeholder engagement and the skills survey (WP2)
• Continued development of the course modules and e-learning content (WP3)

Decisions were made regarding reporting deadlines, stakeholder interview planning, and the timeline for learning material finalization and translation.

The meeting reinforced the strong collaboration between partners and marked another important step in delivering high-quality, practice-oriented learning materials on energy communities.

Who are our stakeholders?

 1024 683 Eva Szalma
By:
0

The second transnational project meeting of the project – apart from a series of short audio meetings throughout the past months – took place at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics on 17 May 2024.

The main topic of the meeting was the survey designed to be sent out to stakeholders who would potentially be interested in the short, intensive training course that is one of the outcome of the project. The main stakeholder categories are the following:

  • Engineering companies
  • Equipment suppliers
  • DHC operator companies
  • Consultancies
  • Associations/federations
  • Authorities
  • Non-profit organisations
  • Environmental groups

In the survey, the selected stakeholders will be able to rate the importance of certain skills that they would like to see our intensive course to be focused on.

The partners also made progress with the content of the training materials, with partners presenting each module and discussing possible alternatives.

The next project meeting is set to take place on 2 September 2024, also at BME.

Project kick-off meeting

 1024 625 Eva Szalma
By:
0

The kick-off meeting of the project was held online on 7 November 2023 in Budapest, Hungary with the representatives from all three partners.

During the meeting, partners discussed the task ahead.