European Sustainable Energy Week 2023: Empowering Skills for a Greener Future during the European Year of Skills

EUSEW, Europe's largest event on renewables and efficient energy use, successfully brought together stakeholders in sustainable energy. The event took place in Brussels and online and served as a forum for discussions on many topics, including skills, energy efficiency, affordability, inclusion, renewables, and decarbonisation. In addition to seven plenary and 60 policy sessions, participants were invited to explore the Energy Fair, which featured 35 stands and the chance to vote in the EUSEW’s Awards. 

Empowering Skills for the Energy Transition 

In line with the European Year of Skills, the event highlighted the crucial role of skills in the energy transition. As the world moves towards renewable energy and advanced technologies, there is a growing need for a skilled workforce capable of developing, implementing, and keeping sustainable energy solutions. The event confirmed the need to invest in education, training, and vocational programmes that provide people with the skills needed for the green transition. 

A platform to promote the critical role of skills development in achieving a sustainable future 

The event featured engaging discussions, hands-on workshops, and interactive sessions. These activities explored innovative approaches to teaching people about sustainable energy. Apprenticeships and vocational courses were presented as valuable training opportunities. Participants had the chance to learn from successful examples, share knowledge, and engage in discussions about closing the skills gap and training the workforce in the renewable energy industry. 

The first day of the event was particularly skills-focused, with 13 sessions on the subject. Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Directorate-General for Energy of the European Commission, and Bertrand Piccard, Chairperson of the Solar Impulse Foundation, introduced the theme and reflected on how we can build a European workforce equipped with the right skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow.  

Learn more about the event and (re)watch some of the sessions here