
The Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST) is  based in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering,  Loughborough University in the UK and is a research centre into 
renewable energy.
Established in 1993, it is recognised internationally as a centre of  excellence in its field particularly in photovoltaic systems, materials  and devices, wind power and integration of renewable energy into  electricity grids. About fifty researchers, academics and associated  staff are involved with CREST's work.
The MSc course in 
Renewable Energy Systems Technology, developed at  CREST, is one of the longest established renewable energy masters  courses globally. It is producing a stream of graduates who are working  internationally in all aspects of the renewables industry. This course  can be studied full-time or part-time distance learning. As an advanced  technology course, the modules in the CREST MSc  include biomass, wind, solar, water/marine and electrical integration.  There is a strong emphasis on electrical generation throughout.The centre was initially set up through the funding of Professor Tony Marmont of Beacon Energy 
Beacon Energy, who remains a mentor and advisory committee member. Other advisory members include Sir Jonathon Porritt  and Dr Andrew Garrad of Garrad Hassan & Partners Ltd. Professor  Phil Eames is presently the Director of CREST and Leon Freris is a  Visiting Professor. Professor Freris, together with Dr David Sharpe, a  leading British wind turbine aerodynamicist who also worked at the  centre, were both founding members of the British Wind Energy  Association (now RenewableUK). David Sharpe has since become known for his work as the inventor of the 
Aerogenerator.
The Masters course is one of only sixteen programmes in the UK admitted to the Panasonic Fellowship programme   (run by the Royal Academy of Engineering). The Panasonic Fellowship  programme is aimed at recent graduates who wish to embark on a full-time  Masters degree course in environmental studies or sustainable  development.
CREST is a participating university in the EUREC European Masters Program in 
Renewable Energy  an initiative supported by the European Commission to expand the European renewable energy industry.
The group is located in the Holywell Park area of the Loughborough campus, adjacent to the offices of the Energies Technology Institute (ETI).