Pia Milena Leminski

Originally from Germany, Pia came to the Iceland School of Energy with a vision: to deepen her understanding of renewable energy and contribute to a more sustainable future. With a background in Energy and Environmental Engineering from Hamburg University of Technology, Pia’s decision to pursue a MSc in Sustainable Energy Engineering at ISE was fueled by Iceland’s reputation as a leader in renewable energy.

At ISE, Pia combined an academic foundation with practical experiences. Her coursework, including Wind Power with Professor Ármann Gylfason and Hydro Power Management with Landsvirkjun’s hydrological research manager, Andri Gunnarsson, prepared her for the challenges of energy projects.

The Internship Experience

The internship at ISE offers students the chance to earn credits in the spring semester while gaining hands-on industry experience. ISE collaborates with companies each year to provide meaningful projects, which students complete alongside their courses. Since ISE attracts students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, the range of projects is equally varied, covering fields such as engineering, environmental science, policy, and beyond. These internships bridge the gap between academics and industry, equipping students with practical skills and insights into Iceland’s energy sector while expanding their professional networks.

Practical Experience at Landsvirkjun

Her first internship at Landsvirkjun focused on wind energy, analyzing wind data to evaluate the feasibility of new projects. Her dedication and performance led to a summer role in the operation planning department, where she contributed to ensuring that hydropower plants met electricity demand while managing maintenance schedules and reservoir recharge.

Dual Degree

These opportunities not only strengthened Pia’s technical expertise but also sparked her curiosity to explore wind energy further. This drive led her to apply for the Dual Degree program with INRS in Canada and ISE, where she earned a second MSc in Earth Sciences. While in Canada, Pia collaborated with Dr. Taha BMJ Ouarda on a project exploring the use of artificial neural networks to forecast wind speeds based on climate oscillation indices. The research addressed critical gaps in seasonal forecasting and its implications for sustainable wind power generation. Living in Canada for six months was an experience Pia cherished. She reflects on this opportunity as one of the highlights of her academic journey and encourages future students to embrace similar programs to broaden their horizons.

Today, Pia has completed her dual degrees and research and has returned to Germany, where she continues her work in renewable energy. Her story exemplifies the opportunities at ISE, combining academics, international collaboration, and hands-on learning to prepare students to lead in the field of sustainable energy.