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KTU Student Ziad from Egypt: Thinking About Energy Before the Lights Go Out

Important | 2026-01-29

Few things influence our lives as much as energy, yet we rarely think about it until something goes wrong. When the lights go out, the heating stops, or electricity becomes too expensive, we suddenly realise how much it depends on it. For Ziad Elatar, this understanding came early – and instead of ignoring it, he chose to turn it into a profession.

“At some point, I realised that energy is at the centre of everything: development, sustainability, and the future of our planet. What fascinates me most is that the field is constantly evolving, and every innovation has a real impact. I decided to follow this path when I saw how urgently the world needs clean, efficient energy systems, and I wanted to be part of that change,” says Ziad, originally from Egypt, who now calls Lithuania home.

Volunteering at Red Cross and Learning Lithuanian

Today, he studies Renewable Energy Engineering at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Lithuania, and is preparing for a career in a field that shapes everyday life more than most people ever notice.

Moving to Lithuania for his studies meant adapting not only to a new academic environment but also to a different social and cultural context. Ziad describes his life in Lithuania as calm and balanced, which he finds helpful when managing demanding studies.

While he notes that Lithuanians can initially seem reserved, this was not something he experienced as a barrier in the long run. “Once you build a connection, interactions become much more natural and smoother,” he says.

Ziad Elatar
Ziad Elatar

Ziad is actively working on integrating into local society. He is learning Lithuanian and has explored volunteering opportunities at the Red Cross. However, language requirements have so far limited his participation. “I’m hopeful that as my language skills improve, I’ll be able to participate more fully,” he adds.

Wants to Be an Offshore Power Systems Engineer

To broaden his opportunities, Ziad also joined SKILLed AI Talent Academy’s programme at KTU, which brings together highly motivated students. He was drawn to this programme, as it focuses on developing artificial intelligence skills and fostering a multidisciplinary student community.

KTU student Ziad
KTU student Ziad

“It’s truly a blessing not to be the smartest person in the room,” he says, pointing to the learning opportunities that come from collaboration.

A second-year renewable energy student actively follows research carried out at KTU. In particular, he is interested in projects related to smart grid sensor development and solid oxide fuel cells. According to Ziad, these areas show how engineering decisions can directly affect efficiency and reliability in real energy networks.

One field he sees strong potential in is offshore wind energy. “It combines high energy output with a relatively small land footprint, and advances in turbine technology are making it more efficient and cost-effective. Offshore wind can play a key role in meeting the growing global demand for clean, reliable energy,” he says.

After graduation, Ziad plans to pursue a career as an Offshore Power Systems Engineer, working on large-scale renewable energy projects and contributing to the development of offshore energy infrastructure.

Want to know more about studies at KTU? Chat with our students and hear about their everyday study experience.