The security of energy supply, the development of sustainable energy systems, and the electrification of industry are among the most important strategic issues of our time. The growing prominence of electric mobility, energy storage, and intelligent energy use creates new opportunities for both the economy and society. Recognising this, Sz\u00e9chenyi Istv\u00e1n University has established the nationally unique Sustainable Energy Laboratory in the Zalaegerszeg Innovation Park. The long-term objective of the investment is to create a knowledge centre that connects education, industrial innovation, and social awareness, thereby contributing to Hungary\u2019s energy independence, economic competitiveness, and sustainable development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first step of the development is the opening of the Clean Energy and Mobility Educational Centre, which enables a broad spectrum of training opportunities in the region. The facility can function not only as a higher education centre but also as a hub for vocational education and industrial further education. In addition, it is suitable for delivering the mandatory FAM (live working) courses related to electric and hybrid vehicles, which are to be introduced in the near future. Its uniqueness lies in being the first among Hungarian universities to provide an integrated educational and demonstration environment in the fields of electric mobility and modern energy systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Clean Energy and Mobility Educational Centre offers unique opportunities in both education and research (Photo: Andr\u00e1s Adorj\u00e1n)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Professor Ferenc Friedler, Rector and Vice-President for Scientific Affairs at Sz\u00e9chenyi Istv\u00e1n University, highlighted at the event that energy is no longer merely a technological issue but also a matter of national sovereignty. \u201cStarting from the region, our institution aims to become a key player in the field of sustainable energy. We achieve this by integrating our education, research, and industrial applications, which, through cutting-edge technologies, simultaneously serve our students, researchers, and partners,\u201d<\/em> he stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zolt\u00e1n Balaicz, Mayor of Zalaegerszeg, noted: \u201cThe developments and research programmes implemented in the innovation park are decisive for the practical training of students and for the future of the city. This development marks an important milestone in that process, demonstrating that together with Sz\u00e9chenyi Istv\u00e1n University we are able to further strengthen those collaborations that form the basis of sustainable, innovation-driven growth.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n G\u00e1bor Szilasi, Ministerial Commissioner responsible for the development of North Zala, emphasised that in an era when energy, sustainability, and technological progress shape our everyday lives, it is particularly important to have places where future professionals can prepare for these challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Professor Ferenc Friedler, Rector and Vice-President for Scientific Affairs of Sz\u00e9chenyi Istv\u00e1n University; Zolt\u00e1n Balaicz, Mayor of Zalaegerszeg; G\u00e1bor Szilasi, Ministerial Commissioner responsible for the development of North Zala; Dezs\u0151 Kov\u00e1cs, President of the Zala County Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Dr B\u00e1lint Filep, President of Sz\u00e9chenyi Istv\u00e1n University; and Dr Zolt\u00e1n Weltsch, Head of the Zalaegerszeg Innovation Park, at the presentation of the educational centre (Photo: Andr\u00e1s Adorj\u00e1n)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr Zolt\u00e1n Weltsch, Head of the Zalaegerszeg Innovation Park, illustrated the importance of the Sustainable Energy Laboratory with a striking statistic: today, energy consumption is increasing at three times the rate of population growth. \u201cEnergy is fundamental to our existence, which is why research, development, and training related to it are of paramount importance. Our innovation activities focus on sustainability, materials science, and technology, with particular emphasis on electric mobility, vehicle energetics, energy storage systems, the integration of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, management, security and operation, as well as hydrogen technologies,\u201d<\/em> he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr Madhavi Srinivasan, visiting professor at Sz\u00e9chenyi Istv\u00e1n University and Director of the Energy Research Institute at Nanyang Technological University, spoke in a video message about joint research and educational initiatives aimed at ensuring that cutting-edge knowledge is directly utilised in university programmes and industrial collaborations. \u201cThe Sustainable Energy Laboratory plays a key role in these efforts and reflects the interdisciplinary approach required today. Education is equally important. I am convinced that this laboratory will not only strengthen regional innovation but will also become a significant hub in the international research network of sustainable energy and mobility,\u201d<\/em> she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the event, Dr \u00c1d\u00e1m Vida, Director of Research and Development at Bay Zolt\u00e1n Applied Research Nonprofit Ltd., and Managing Director of the partly University-owned Edortech Kft., presented their OnLi project, aimed at renewing lithium-ion battery production, which seeks to significantly enhance battery performance. He emphasised that their close professional cooperation with Sz\u00e9chenyi Istv\u00e1n University and the new laboratory greatly supports their innovation ambitions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Created: 2026.03.31. 16:46 Sz\u00e9chenyi Istv\u00e1n University has recently inaugurated an infrastructure development at the Zalaegerszeg Innovation Park. The first step in creating the Sustainable Energy Laboratory is the newly completed Clean …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":9868,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9867","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alumni.sze.hu\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Kep1-2-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alumni.sze.hu\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Kep2-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n