The last full day!

To start off the day, we had an in-depth tour of a Statkraft hydropower plant. We saw multiple turbines and had a chance to see the layout of the entire watershed feeding into this specific plant in Vík.

Free Day in Vik

Today was the free day in Vikøyri, Norway. It is a small town with few people, but many great hiking trails. Most of the group decided to try our luck hiking to the top of the mountains that surround the town. I left with a small group of people, determined to challenge ourselves and see the sights.

Exploring Bergen and Boat Ride to Vik

Today we had the morning free in Bergen, so after breakfast most of us went hiking up one of the mountains near Bergen in small groups. The mountain offered some great views of the city and fjord, and hiking through the forest on the mountain was pleasant.

Statkraft to Bergen

This morning we said our goodbyes to Oslo as we rode the train to Statkraft, a leader in the renewable energy market both in Norway and globally.

Cultural Day in Oslo

Today in Oslo, we started off by having a discussion in the Akershus Fortress about how energy shortages have always been a driving force in new energy production methods being invented. We also discussed the purpose of studying all the different types of energy production methods, specifically in Scandinavia.

Exploring Oslo

We left Grimstad early this morning and took the bus to Oslo, the capital of Norway, passing through the beautiful countryside. In Oslo, we had a free day to explore the city.

A Day Spent in Luxury and Learning

Today we woke up bright and early to take a three-hour bus ride deep into Norway to visit a mini-hydropower station. This hydropower station was owned by a man named J.B. Ugland, who also owns quite a few of the buildings within the University of Agder, where we have been staying for the past three days. The bus ride inland was filled with lots of beautiful scenery that was so mesmerizing that none of us even noticed we had been sitting on a bus for three hours.

First day in Norway!

Today, we went to REC Solar Fiskaa Technologies (old Elkem), company that stands out by the way they use silicone in the production of solar panels. We got a little bit of rain when we were waiting to get in the facility.

From Denmark to Norway

Today we got to add a ferry to the many forms of transportation we've slept on! At this point in the trip, it is safe to say that we have trained our bodies to fall asleep as soon we sit in any motorized vehicle. In fact, in one day I slept on a bus, a ferry, and a van.

Final Day in Denmark

Today was all about the beautiful sights and locales of northern Denmark before we leave, with great summer weather throughout the day. To start, a short bus ride brought to see a wind turbine testing center, which is the home of the world’s largest wind turbines!

Learning different methods of sustainable energy production

This morning we left our beachside condos and headed out to Dead Man's Dune. We saw the beach where 1,400 English sailors crashed and were buried in the sands by the Danes. On the beach, we also looked for amber, but to no avail.

Vestas Wind Systems and Beach Day

Our sixth day in Denmark started off on the beach outside our hostel with Bo discussing some of the history of marine life and the three truly renewable sources of power: the sun (which also indirectly causes wind and hydro power), geothermal, and gravity/tides.

A visit to the University of Southern Denmark and other Danish landmarks

Today was  filled with learning. We departed from our hostel in Copenhagen bright and early, and got on the road to the University of Southern Denmark. There, we listened to a lecture about batteries—how they work, how they have advanced, and how they will advance in the future.

Hello from warm and sunny Copenhagen!

We've enjoyed incredible weather in our time here. Today began with a quick trip to a Danish bakery, after which we took a bus to the university if Copenhagen. We had the chance to see two awesome lecturers who talked about many aspects of conservation.

Copenhagen, Day 3

We had the morning free to relax in the park outside of Rosenborg Castle and take a walk through the botanical gardens before meeting up as a full group to leave the city.

Free Day in Copenhagen

For our first opportunity for a free day, there was lots to do and lots to explore! People split off into groups to explore the city of Copenhagen.

Copenhagen

After waking up at 4:30 a.m., we were off to Denmark! Walking out of the airport and seeing sunshine and warmth was a shock after being in Iceland for three days.

Volcanoes and Waterfalls

Today we did a whirl-wind tour of Iceland and its natural resources. We began the day with a focus on volcanoes. After learning more on the geology of Iceland (from the 'Lava' center) and how to pronounce 'Eyjafjallajökull' (from Bo), we headed out towards a volcano.

One day down! We have all arrived safely, albeit cold and tired.

One day down! We have all arrived safely, albeit cold and tired. We spent most of the day touring the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland. Starting off with the Bridge Across Continents, and the Gunnuhver hot spring!

Energy Production Methods in Scandinavia

Students on this May Session CSE Global Seminar will study existing and emerging energy production methods and energy usage in Iceland, Denmark, and Norway.