In the ever-evolving landscape of renewable energy, the SKILLBILL project has made significant strides in its first year, setting the stage for a sustainable and inclusive future. Supported by the European Union as part of the Horizon Europe program, this cross-national Coordination and Support Action has embarked on a three-year journey (01/09/2022-31/08/2025) to address the growing need for new skills in the renewable energy sources (RES) field. SKILLBILL also aims to engage citizens and stakeholders, irrespective of their initial level of education, working position, or gender, in the world of renewable energy.
The project took off with great enthusiasm during its kick-off meeting in September 2022. Partners from various countries convened in Rome, Italy, on September 15th, 2022, to officially launch the project and share their ideas for its successful implementation. The atmosphere was one of collaboration and determination, setting the stage for the project’s ambitious goals.
In the first six months of the SKILLBILL project, significant progress has been made towards establishing a strong foundation for its successful implementation. Key activities included the development of essential documents such as the Project Management Plan and Data Management Plan, ensuring efficient coordination and handling of project activities. A comprehensive Quality Assurance and Risk Management Plan was also developed, ensuring that the project operates at the highest standards and effectively manages any potential risks. Additionally, the Dissemination and Communication Plan was set in motion, outlining strategies to effectively share project updates and outcomes with stakeholders. To create a recognizable identity for the project, a distinctive logo and graphical identity were carefully crafted, reflecting the project’s objectives and values. Furthermore, the launch of the project’s website provided a central platform for sharing information, updates, and resources with a wide range of audiences. These accomplishments in the first six months lay a solid groundwork for the future success and impact of the SKILLBILL project.
One of the key strengths of SKILLBILL lies in its ability to establish synergies with other related projects. Notably, partnerships were formed with projects such as W4RES, RES4CITY, SEANERGY, ALFA, and FEMPOWER. These collaborations foster knowledge exchange and the pooling of resources, amplifying the impact of the collective effort.
In February 2023, the SKILLBILL consortium reconvened in Helsinki, Finland, for its second project meeting. The meeting, hosted by METROPOLIA, marked the end of the first semester and set the stage for the upcoming activities. The consortium reviewed the progress made and charted a path forward, preparing for the third project meeting in the summer of 2023.
March 2023 witnessed the launch of the Green Portal, an essential initiative within the SKILLBILL project. The Green Portal serves as a comprehensive platform, aiming to educate individuals about renewable energy technologies and their impact on climate change. As the world grapples with the consequences of our collective carbon footprint, the Green Portal offers a coherent and accessible way to understand the issues at hand. It provides practical solutions that can help accelerate the mitigation of climate change, empowering individuals to make a positive difference.
In May 2023, the SKILLBILL project achieved two significant milestones. First, the project’s Report on “Stakeholder Mapping and Best Practices” became available for reading. This report delves into the findings on stakeholder mapping and best practices in renewable energy education. Through a comprehensive study combining desk research and semi-structured interviews, the report explores cutting-edge technological advancements, barriers to overcome, and the promotion of sustainability principles. It provides valuable insights that pave the way for a sustainable energy future. The second milestone in May 2023 was the release of the Syllabus of the European Specialisation School in Sustainable Energy. Established as part of the Horizon Europe SKILLBILL Project, this specialized school plays a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable energy. With ambitious goals set out in COP-27, there is an urgent need for well-trained professionals equipped with comprehensive knowledge of renewable energy technologies, sustainable mobility, and the socio-economic implications of the energy transition. The syllabus embodies SKILLBILL’s innovative educational approach and offerings.
June 2023 marked another pivotal moment for the SKILLBILL project with its co-creation workshop. Passionate individuals from various disciplines joined forces to ignite innovation and collaboration. The workshop aimed to establish four dynamic working groups focused on sustainable and renewable electricity, sustainable mobility, sustainable and renewable heat, and sustainable and renewable heat. This milestone event marked the beginning of a collective effort to address complex challenges and shape the future of advanced renewable energy technologies and the skills needed to navigate this ever-changing landscape. Participation in the European Sustainable Energy Week in June 2023 further solidified SKILLBILL’s commitment to driving change in the energy sector. In a session titled “Career opportunities in the energy transition: the skills you need for the green economy,” SKILLBILL shared insights to equip individuals and organizations with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in the energy transition era. The session garnered considerable attention, with a diverse group of attendees, both on-site and online, actively engaging in discussions.
Alongside these milestones, several deliverables were successfully submitted, underscoring the project’s commitment to effective management and communication. These deliverables include the Project Management Plan & Data Management Plan, Quality Assurance and Risk Management Plan, Stakeholder map and good practices, Co-design of stakeholder joint initiative, Quality label definition, Master syllabus, Dissemination and Communication Plan, and Exploitation, IPR Management, and Sustainability Plan.
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As SKILLBILL celebrates its first year, the project remains dedicated to its mission of fostering sustainable energy education and collaboration. With each milestone achieved, it paves the way for a greener future, empowering individuals and organizations to embrace renewable energy technologies and drive positive change. Through its innovative educational initiatives, comprehensive research, and dynamic collaborations, SKILLBILL is making tangible progress towards a more sustainable and inclusive world.
