Jan Felix Engelhardt

Bio: Jan Felix Engelhardt is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: German & Confessional. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 10 citations.

Re-Thinking the Definition of Self-Sufficiency in Systems with Energy Storage

Abstract: Self-sufficiency is an important metric for various energy concepts, as it reflects what share of the local consumption is covered by local generation. However, the equation commonly used in literature cannot be applied to systems with an energy storage that actively exchanges energy with the grid. With more and more systems incorporating storage units it is therefore necessary to re-think the mathematical definition of self-sufficiency. The present paper addresses this issue by proposing an alternative equation that captures distinctive factors introduced by storage units: (i) Energy exported to the grid can originate from previously imported energy, (ii) initial and final storage energy in a given observation period can be different, (iii) the usage of storage systems entails energy losses. It is demonstrated that neglecting these factors leads to an over- or underestimation of self-sufficiency with values even reaching below 0% or above 100%. In contrast, the self-sufficiency calculated by the proposed definition considers the above mentioned factors and always stays within the defined range.

Theorizing Islam: Disciplinary Deconstruction and Reconstruction

Abstract: Book review by Emin Poljarevic of Theorizing Islam: Disciplinary Deconstruction and Reconstruction, Aaron W. Hughes

Training Imams in Europe : The Challenges of Developing a Unified Program, Leiden University as a Study Case

Abstract: This article deals with a number of perennial questions which have occupied the minds of both European politicians and Muslim communities living in Europe by examining Dutch attempts to develop a training program for prospective imams. Is it feasible to train imams working in mosques on European soil with the aim of promoting the integration of Muslims in European societies? What should this training look like? Which institutions should be entrusted with this training? What role do Islamic organizations play in such a process? This article focuses on the Dutch experience and starts by reviewing the main challenges that have until now hindered the development of an „imam-training program“ in the Netherlands, despite the existence of a strong desire to do so. The article subsequently gives a detailed elaboration of the experiences Leiden University has made while developing a program of this nature. This university has managed to attract the interest of two Islamic organizations in the Netherlands interested in participating in the development of such a program. These two organizations, together with Leiden University, developed a draft proposal for an imam training program which was submitted to the Ministry of Education and Culture at the end of 2008. 1. Introductory Remarks 1.1 Historical Background In the years following the convocation of the Waardenburg Committee in 1982, which made initial suggestions as to training imams in the Netherlands, discussions on the issue gradually gained importance in public debates and have remained at the centre of contemporary discussions right up to the present day. Three programs have been established in Dutch institutions of higher education with the help of subsidies from the government. The first program started at the Vrije Universiteit (VU) in Amsterdam in the academic year 2005-2006. Leiden University and the Higher Vocational School, Inholland in Amsterdam started their programs in the academic year 2006-2007. Although these three programs were founded in the context of the discussions on training imams, none of them has yet managed to develop an „imam-training program“ which is recognized as both an academic program by Dutch universities and a confessional program by the Islamic organizations. These three programs can only be seen as a first step in this direction. This holds also true for the Leiden University, whose case will provide the main focus of this text. * Dr. Mohammed Ghaly is Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies at the Leiden University. 170 For more details about the discussions in Dutch society and these three programs, see Mohammed Ghaly, The Academic Training of Imams: Recent Discussions and Initiatives in the Netherlands, in: Drees W.B. &