As part of SKILLBILL’s ongoing efforts to lead the energy transition, the second round of our specialised working groups has produced critical insights and actionable recommendations in four key areas: Electricity, sustainable mobility fuels and heat. Organized by Q-PLAN International, these working groups were guided by dedicated Lighthouse Experts who brought their extensive expertise to the discussions, helping shape the path forward for renewable energy and sustainability in Europe.
Electricity Working Group: Led by Dirk Hendricks, the Electricity Working Group focused on creating a favorable regulatory environment for renewable electricity. Key recommendations include increasing funding for multiple projects within specific fields, prioritizing real-life results to drive technological advancements and boosting collaboration between educational institutions and the energy sector. The group also emphasized the need for updating the list of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) technologies eligible for subsidies and the importance of making learning materials accessible, particularly those related to vocational education and trainingMobility Working Group: Under the leadership of Johan Wideberg, the Mobility Working Group explored regulatory shifts necessary to promote sustainable mobility. The group’s recommendations centered around aligning training programs with industry needs, integrating EU regulations into national policies, and encouraging the widespread adoption of electric vehicles through incentives and infrastructure development. The importance of urban planning redesign and expanding the use of alternative fuels in professional fleets were also highlighted as critical areas for action.
Fuels Working Group: Esa Toukoniitty led the Fuels Working Group in addressing the challenges associated with sustainable fuels. The discussions resulted in recommendations to support the affordability of hybrid vehicles, revive interest in combustion engines for synthetic fuels and expand the use of biofuels. Public awareness campaigns were also identified as crucial for driving the adoption of these technologies, ensuring that the general public understands the environmental and economic benefits of transitioning to sustainable fuels.
Heat Working Group: Facilitated by Daniele Groppi, the Heat Working Group focused on the necessary regulatory shifts to foster sustainable heating practices. The group’s primary recommendations include increasing EU funding for industry-academia collaboration, highlighting the importance of waste heat recovery and promoting the concept of Renewable Heating Communities. Additionally, the group advocated for tax incentives to support industrial PhD programs and emphasized the need for ongoing education and certification programs to keep the workforce updated on the latest developments in the heating sector.
The actionable outcomes from these working groups underscore SKILLBILL’s commitment to driving sustainable energy solutions across multiple sectors. By fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and policymakers, SKILLBILL is paving the way for innovative approaches that will help Europe meet its renewable energy targets and build a more sustainable future.
While we celebrate the accomplishments of the second round of Working Group meetings, we invite you to stay engaged in our journey towards a sustainable future. To actively contribute or learn more about our initiatives, join the conversation on our social media channels.
