Testimonial
For Luis Manuel Coral, the EngD in Sustainable Process Design at the University of Groningen offers the opportunity to combine technical expertise with real-world impact. Originally from Pasto in southern Colombia, Luis has a background in Chemical Engineering and professional experience in the energy sector. Today, as an EngD trainee, Luis works with RWE on the development of optimisation strategies for future carbon capture plants.
The EngD in Sustainable Process Design combines state-of-the-art research in process engineering with the real-world challenges of the energy transition, making it the ideal fit for my academic and professional interests
Working on a real-world energy challenge
As part of the EngD project, Luis is working on optimisation strategies for the future carbon capture plants at RWE’s power generation facilities in Eemshaven and Amer.
The project involves analysing mass and energy balances, evaluating the design and performance of individual process units, and developing innovative solutions based on recent academic research. The ultimate goal is to improve the overall performance of the carbon capture process by optimising both capital and operational costs while maintaining or increasing process efficiency.
For Luis, the combination of academic knowledge and an industry setting is one of the most valuable aspects of the programme.
Working closely with both academia and industry has helped bridge the typical gap that often exists between theory and application
At the University of Groningen, the EngD provides access to advanced knowledge, technical training and emerging technologies. At RWE, this knowledge can be applied to an industrial setting, where the focus is on how ideas can be translated into solutions for large-scale operations.
Why choose an EngD?
When looking for a postgraduate programme, Luis wanted to combine sustainability with practical, industry-relevant experience. The University of Groningen stood out because of its focus on sustainability, the circular economy and renewable energy, particularly within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
The EngD in Sustainable Process Design offered a way to connect advanced process engineering with the challenges of the energy transition – while working directly on an industry-related project.
Luis is also using the programme to develop skills beyond technical expertise. Alongside deepening knowledge of sustainable technologies, process design and optimisation, the EngD provides opportunities to develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills.
These skills are particularly important for working on complex projects involving multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
This programme is ideal for those who want to bridge the gap between research and real-world application
A programme that connects people, knowledge and industry
The EngD also provides benefits from an industry perspective. By working on a company-specific challenge, trainees can bring fresh perspectives and the latest academic insights to complex problems.
At the same time, companies gain access to the University of Groningen’s academic network and technical expertise, while working with a motivated professional who is focused on a strategic challenge over a two-year collaboration.
The experience is preparing Luis not only to contribute to the energy transition through technical expertise, but also to take on projects that require collaboration, innovation and a practical understanding of how sustainable technologies can be implemented in the real world.