Development of Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Sustainable Energy between Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) and NTNU

The Agreement between Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) and NTNU to develop a Joint Research Centre (JRC) on Sustainable Energy was signed by the President of SJTU and Rector of NTNU in May 2010. Directly afterwards a systematic preparation process was started and carried out, financed by NTNU, SJTU and the Research Council of Norway, so that the present project could start up January 1, 2013. The development of the JRC has been guided by a Board with representatives from SJTU and NTNU meeting regularly at the Workshops. The goal was to realize fundamental research based on so called "paired" PhDs at SJTU and NTNU working on the same research area, guided by professors at SJTU and NTNU. The Board of the JRC gave priority to 5 research areas: 1 Energy System Analysis (ESA) 2 Energy Use in Buildings (EIB) 3 Refrigeration (REF). This include two areas "Use of CO2 as working fluid" and "Gas Technology - LNG" 4 Offshore Wind & Smart Grids (OWG) 5 Catalysis for New Energy Technologies (CAT) Another target decided by the Board was to utilize the JRC-network to develop "Double Degree MsC-education" in Sustainable energy within the selected areas. This means that the students will get a diploma(degree) both from SJTU and NTNU. Another target to develop Summer Courses at SJTU, where they have a strong position. To develop the JRC-family, we had to develop regular meeting places (workshops) where people within the 5 "JRC-families" could meet, present results and ideas, decide on further work, identify interesting projects to handle together and so on. An important point was that we should combine science and social relations. Throughout the present JRC-project we have been able to organize 5 JRC-workshops, two at SJTU and 3 at NTNU, each time with around 40 participants. Altogether 49 professors and researchers have involved themselves and taken active part in the JRC-activity. (22 at SJTU and 27 at NTNU). (The hours that they have decided to use on our JRC represent a large economic investment by the universities.) On the joint research side 15 PhD candidates will be educated (8 at SJTU and 7 at NTNU). We have delivered 67 presentations at workshops and conferences, and we have brought forward 36 joint publication. The JRC-team carried out 4 summer courses at SJTU, of which SENIC in 2015 is the most comprehensive (69 students). Further we have educated 13 Double Degree Master students so far. This represents a considerable scientific activity, so that we consider that the JRC-project has been successful, the circumstances taken into consideration. We should mention that the original goal of the JRC was to achieve funding from Chinese and Norwegian sources and attract industrial partners. These goals we had to be abandon because of the special relationship between China and Norway.

A Joint Research Centre (JRC) Agreement in 'Sustainable Energy' was signed by Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) and NTNU on 26 May 2010 in Shanghai. The agreement contains descriptions of SJTU's and NTNU's positions and activities in energy research, g oals, organization of the centre etc. Both SJTU and NTNU have developed substantial research and education activity over a broad specter of energy technologies. By teaming up together in this goal-oriented JRC with the common mission "Sufficient and clean energy for a sustainable and peaceful society" SJTU and NTNU will be in a considerable better position to contribute to bringing forward new solutions in key technology areas that will be important to the future. To achieve this, the following thematic research areas have been identified in the JRC agreement: 1.Gas technology to support utilization of natural gas to substitute coal (LNG technology-Distributed CCHP) 2.Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to reduce emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases- Use of CO2 as working fluid 3.Renewable Energy (solar, wind, ambient) 4.Energy Use in Buildings/Zero Emission Buildings(energy efficiency) 5.System Analysis and Optimization (how to combine different technologies in the right way. Regional energy planning ) SJTU and NTNU have started four joint research projects in which totally eight PhD students from both universities are recruited. For each project there will be a pair of PhD students and supervisors from both universities. An important issue is to hav e exchange of the PhD students between the universities, as described in 'Fundings'. In addition, both institutions have cooperated on and completed a draft for a 'Double-Degree Master in Sustainable Energy'. This includes awards of MSc degree from both institutions after completion of the study, which lasts for 5,5 years. Both SJTU and NTNU have decided to realize this programme and start by student exchange and project affiliation in fall semester 2013