Partnership for the Future of the Energy Industry – Strategic Agreement Signed Between Széchenyi István University and MAVIR Zrt.
As part of the agreement, the University and MAVIR Zrt. will jointly work on strengthening the talent pipeline of the electricity industry, implementing research and development projects, and supporting energy-sector innovation. The Digital Development Center (DDC) of Széchenyi István University plays a key role in this collaboration.
Széchenyi István University and MAVIR, the Hungarian Independent Transmission Operator Company, signed a strategic cooperation agreement on 11 November, creating new opportunities in the fields of energy, higher education, and domestic innovation. The aim of the agreement is to strengthen the talent pipeline within the electricity sector, support joint research and development initiatives, and promote a sustainable and technologically advanced future for the energy industry.
MAVIR, as the national transmission system operator, plays a key role in ensuring the security of electricity supply in Hungary: its responsibilities include operating the national grid, maintaining system balance, and developing the transmission network. Széchenyi István University, on the other hand, is committed to equipping its students with cutting-edge technological knowledge essential for the coming decades. The cooperation between the two institutions therefore carries strategic importance.
One of the major professional pillars of the partnership is the Digital Development Center (DDC) of Széchenyi István University, which plays a significant role in innovation, digitalization, and applied research within the joint activities.Dr. István Drotár, Head of the DDC, emphasized:
“Széchenyi István University is one of Hungary’s leading higher education institutions in emerging technologies such as 5G, digitalization, and drones. The cooperation with MAVIR is an excellent example of how scientific research and industrial practice can reinforce each other to support the development of Hungary’s energy sector.”
The partnership also opens doors for new educational programs, the inclusion of MAVIR experts as instructors and guest lecturers, jointly announced thesis and student research topics, as well as the development of scholarship and career model programs. In addition, students may take part in professional internships or part-time employment opportunities at MAVIR.
Key areas of the research and development collaboration include process and network modeling, risk assessment, system optimization, and exploring the applicability of artificial intelligence in the energy market. The partners are also examining the potential role of drone technology in network supervision, as well as developing innovative solutions to address challenges arising from large-scale renewable energy integration. Dr. Ferenc Friedler, Rector of the University, highlighted:
“The stability and sustainability of the energy system are not only technical but also societal issues. Participation in this collaboration strengthens our institution’s international competitiveness.”
Ferenc Szarvas, CEO of MAVIR, stressed the strategic importance of cooperation with technical higher education, as the future of the sector heavily relies on the development of skilled professionals.
The signing of the strategic agreement marks a milestone in the relationship between the energy sector and higher education, shaping the long-term development of Hungary’s electricity system while granting the Digital Development Center an increasingly prominent role in innovation and technological advancement.
