The Mobility Working Group (WG), coordinated by Q-PLAN International, along with the rest three working groups, is dedicated to addressing key developments and challenges in the decarbonization of the fuels sector. This group focuses on providing knowledge and expertise to bridge skill gaps and labour market shortages in the field of fuels. Engaging with stakeholders from academia, industry, decision-makers, and civil society, the Fuels WG aims to develop concrete solutions that enhance awareness and education levels. Its interdisciplinary team works to improve skills necessary for fostering future-proof labour markets and shaping policies that bridge gender gaps. Towards this aim, 9 experts in the field of renewable and bio – fuels are engaged.
Mission and Objectives – The mission of the Fuels WG, and of the rest three working groups, is to drive the effective decarbonization of the fuels sector and the deployment of renewable energy innovations. To this purpose Fuels WG shares important information with industries about what they’ll need in the future for developing cleaner transportation systems; gives suggestions to policymakers on making better rules for a greener future and turns the latest tech advancements into new education and training requirements, ensuring everyone stays up-to-date with the latest developments.
Lighthouse Expert – Mr. Esa Toukoniitty is at the leading position of Fuels Working Group. With a background in Chemical Engineering, he’s a Senior Lecturer at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and an Adjunct Professor known for his pioneering work in circular economy and renewable energy projects. Esa’s expertise is the key-tool of his dual role as an educator and a passionate researcher in the transformative fields of technology and natural science.
1st Meeting Highlights – The first meeting of Fuels Working Groups was held on 24.11.2023, including rich discussion and brainstorming sessions on the Fuels topic along with a co-creation session of prioritized recommendations.
The main highlights from the 1st meeting are:
- Conducting workshops for officials, training on renewable fuels’ importance, and meeting politicians to stress their usefulness.
- Aiming for higher expertise across the value chain, exploring diverse applications, and encouraging specialized courses in agronomy, biology, and economics.
- Boosting research for underdeveloped biofuels like DME and biomethanol.
- Providing support to university programs focused on renewable fuels projects.
- Offering funding to NGOs with expertise for impactful programs.
- Increasing social acceptability of renewable fuels.
- Raising safety awareness through school programs.
- Reducing bureaucracy for building renewable fuel plants.
- Subsidizing vehicles powered by renewable fuel.
- Ensuring a sustainable raw material supply for some sustainable fuels.
- Creating initiatives using H2O vapors from dehydration processes.
Overall, the first meeting successfully established a passionate WG, provided a platform that where ideas could be freely shared and identified solutions to enhance the transition to a better and broader use of renewable heat.
Fuels Working Group 2nd meeting, held on May 13th, delved into the world of sustainable fuels, aiming to identify regulatory shifts to support cleaner energy solutions
Key Recommendations
- Provide financial assistance for the purchase of hybrid cars.
- Support the use of combustion engines for new sustainable fuels.
- Encourage the purchase of cars that run on methane gas.
- Launch public awareness campaigns about the benefits of sustainable fuel adoption.
- Foster a supportive regulatory environment for sustainable fuels.
- Emphasize the impact of governmental rules and support on improving transportation.
While the Fuels WG has successfully completed its tasks, we look forward to continued collaboration and progress through semestrial online meetings, mobilization and mutual learning workshops, and a plenary meeting scheduled for the coming months.
3rd Meeting Highlights –The 3rd SKILLBILL Fuels Working Group, coordinated by Q-PLAN and led by Lighthouse Expert Esa Toukoniitty, took place on 5 November 2024 to address key challenges in sustainable and renewable fuels. The session focused on developing guidelines for education and training programs to support skilling, reskilling and upskilling in the sector.
The meeting began with a review of existing educational and training programs for renewable fuels, followed by an analysis of current and future skills demand. Key discussions centered on curriculum modernization, covering cutting-edge technologies such as advanced biofuels, waste-to-fuels, electrolysis and green hydrogen, algae biofuels, and synthetic hydrocarbons. Through interactive methodologies, including brainstorming, knowledge exchange, and Miro voting, participants developed and prioritized 17 guidelines aimed at equipping professionals with essential knowledge and competencies.
Key Recommendations
- Integrate EU policies and regulations (such as the Renewable Energy Directive) into educational programs.
- Develop training courses for public authorities to enhance their understanding of sustainable fuel technologies.
- Incorporate green business and finance education into engineering and technology curricula.
- Expand VET training programs to include new fuel technologies, operations, maintenance, and safety measures.
- Engage a wider audience through workshops and seminars on emerging renewable fuel trends.
The meeting successfully defined key priorities for enhancing training opportunities in the renewable fuels sector. With the rapid evolution of fuel manufacturing and technologies, the need for well-trained professionals is more urgent than ever. The insights gathered will contribute to refining education and workforce development strategies, ensuring that future energy professionals are equipped for the transition to sustainable fuels.
Stay tuned for updates as SKILLBILL continues to shape the future of energy skills and training.
