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Heat

The Heat Working Group (WG) under the SKILLBILL joint initiative, along with the rest three working groups, is dedicated to address key developments and challenges in the decarbonization of the heat energy sector. This group focuses on providing knowledge and expertise to bridge skill gaps and labour market shortages in the field of heat. Engaging with stakeholders from academia, industry, decision-makers, and civil society, the Heat 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, 7 experts in the field of renewable heat are mobilised.

Mission and Objectives – The mission of the Heat WG, along with the rest three working groups, is to drive the effective decarbonization of the heat sector and the deployment of renewable energy innovations. To this purpose, the goals of Heat WG are to get industries informed about future needs to drive renwable heat system development, provide suggestions to policy makers aiming to improve regulatory frameworks and translate technological advances into new education & training needs.

Lighthouse Expert – With an esteemed PhD from Sapienza University of Rome, Heat WG Lighhouse Expert mr. Daniele Groppi,  serves as an Assistant Professor at Tuscia University, specializing in maximizing Renewable Energy Sources through Smart Energy Systems. Actively participating in EU-funded projects, Daniele drives progress in sustainable energy solutions, emphasizing energy efficiency and fostering innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

1st Meeting Highlights – The first online meeting of Heat WG, organized and coordinated by Q-PLAN International PC,  took place on November 20th 2023. The meeting’s main target was to identify solutions for driving the development and adoption of renewable heat.

The main outcomes of the brainstorming discussions and the knowledge exchange under this meeting are:

  • Sustainable heat deserves increased attention due to its significant role.
  • Clear standardization is crucial for discussions and planning involving multiple stakeholders.
  • New financial instruments should be easy to use, secure, and just for all, emphasising on the utilization of waste heat.
  • Focus on using waste heat, particularly for  District Heating Networks within Renewable Heat Communities..
  • Discussion on Smart Energy Systems relying on local sources, with Integration of different energy demands and sectors (power, transport, and heat).
  • The concept of Renewable Heat Community complements Renewable Energy Community, integrating different sectors to fully exploit synergies and enhance sustainability.

Overall, the 1st Heat WG meeting had an active member participation, inspiring new ideas and identifying recommendations to enhance the transition to a better and broader use of renewable heat.

2nd Meeting Highlights – The 2nd SKILLBILL Heat Working Group, facilitated by Q-PLAN and led by Lighthouse Expert Daniele Groppi, gathered  on  May 17th 2024 to discuss the necessary regulatory shifts to foster a supportive environment for sustainable mobility.

Key Recommendations:

  • Enhance EU funding for industry and academia collaboration.
  • Highlight the importance of waste heat recovery through more case studies and pilot projects.
  • Stimulate the introduction of the Renewable Heating Community in laws and regulations.
  • Provide tax incentives for companies supporting industrial PhD programs.
  • Create incentives for skilled workers and include the private sector in educational boards.
  • Support organizations that mediate between industry and academia.

Underscored Insights:

  • Emphasize the importance of monitoring waste heat.
  • Foster collaborations between industries and educational institutions to develop relevant courses.
  • Propose the inclusion of the Renewable Heating Community in laws and regulations.
  • Implement mandatory lifelong learning programs.
  • Make certification for vocational education and training (VET) courses more accessible.

While the Heat 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 Heat Working Group, facilitated by Q-PLAN and led by Lighthouse Expert Daniele Groppi, took place on October 29, 2024. The meeting focused on identifying key guidelines to support skilling, reskilling, and upskilling for renewable and sustainable heat. Discussions centered on addressing skill shortages, modernizing curricula, and integrating cutting-edge technologies such as ground source heat pumps, concentrated solar thermal heating, and thermal energy storage.

Participants highlighted the importance of strengthening practical training through industry traineeships and laboratory-based education, while also emphasizing the role of digital skills in performance monitoring and system optimization. Policy-related knowledge, including environmental regulations and compliance, was identified as a critical area for workforce development. Additionally, cross-sectoral skill-building, particularly in building automation, smart grid integration, and energy storage, was recognized as essential for professionals in the heating sector. The meeting concluded with a prioritization exercise, setting the foundation for refining education and training guidelines to align with industry needs.

Key Recommendations

  • Enhance practical training opportunities by integrating industry traineeships, apprenticeships, and lab-based learning into curricula.
  • Develop specialized training in digital skills for system monitoring, automation, and optimization in renewable heating technologies.
  • Promote cross-sectoral collaboration to equip professionals with knowledge in building automation, smart grid integration, and energy storage.
  • Improve policy-related education to ensure workers understand regulatory frameworks, sustainability compliance, and energy efficiency standards.
  • Increase accessibility to certification programs to facilitate career transitions and upskilling in sustainable heating technologies.

The 3rd Heat Working Group reinforced the necessity of modernized training programs and industry-academia cooperation to prepare a highly skilled workforce for the renewable heat sector. By focusing on practical experience, digital competencies, and regulatory awareness, the session set a strong foundation for developing structured education and training pathways. As SKILLBILL advances into its final stages, these insights will contribute to refining policy recommendations and learning frameworks, ensuring the workforce remains competitive and adaptable in the green transition.