What’s it like to study in Grenoble, which was named the 2022 European Green Capital?
The beginning of 2022 saw Grenoble take over as the European Green Capital. This prestigious title, awarded to a different European city each year, recognizes the French city’s leadership in the energy transition.
The accolade coincides with the French Presidency of the Council, which also prioritises the implementation of the Green Deal and work towards achieving climate neutrality. Therefore, during the year, Grenoble will further challenge its local stakeholders to further improve on several indicators related to the green transition.
It is no coincidence that EIT InnoEnergy partners with Grenoble INP to offer Master’s programmes in this trail blazing city.
Why did Grenoble win?
As the first French local authority to adopt a Climate Plan, Grenoble has enacted several urban policies to reduce pollution and biodiversity loss. They have implemented a 30km speed limit throughout the city, reduced noise pollution, incentivised cycling for commuters, source food locally for school canteens, planted thousands of trees and revamped their heating network.
Overall, Grenoble has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 25% between 2005-2016 and is working towards a cumulative 50% reduction by 2030.
What does this mean for students?
These changes have not only made the city cleaner and greener, but have also improved the quality of life for its residents!
As a student living in Grenoble, it is easy to commute to university by bike thanks to the city’s vast network of cycling lanes. You also benefit from the locally-sourced, nutritious food in the canteens. The city’s parks and natural surroundings offer plenty of opportunities for walking, hiking, cycling, and enjoying being outside!
Another advantage of studying at Grenoble with EIT InnoEnergy is the thorough language-learning course that takes place before the fall semester begins. All students are matched to a course that suits their prior knowledge of the French language, and they emerge with a basic understanding which enables them to better connect with fellow students and locals.
Which EIT InnoEnergy programmes study in Grenoble?
There are 4 EIT InnoEnergy Master’s programmes which offer the possibility to study in Grenoble: the Master’s in Energy Technologies, the Master’s in Energy for Smart Cities, the Master’s in Smart Electrical Networks and Systems, and the Master’s in Nuclear Energy.
And after studying in Grenoble for a year, the opportunities for recent graduates are high. The favorable immigration policies in France mean that students who completed their Master’s in France have the possibility to obtain a temporary residence permit for a period of 24 months, enabling them to pursue a career in France after graduation.
Although it’s one thing to learn about the energy transition in the classroom, it’s another experience altogether to be able to live the energy transition. Thanks to its forward-thinking initiatives, studying at Grenoble INP offers that immersive experience.