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.
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.
