Dr. Alexandru Muresan of Cluj-Napoca Institute of Technology, Eusew Young Energy Ambassador, discusses the importance of education and workforce development in supporting the transition of green trading to sustainable energy in Europe.
As the EU and its member states have invested heavily in green technology and infrastructure, it is essential to address the human elements of this transition. There is an urgent need for a professional workforce, and many countries have already experienced shortages in important areas. At the same time, the success of European green trading depends on the citizens’ ability to understand and adopt new technologies and practices.
Climate change: Catalysts for renewable energy and innovation
Climate change destroys the allocation of substantial financial resources for investments in renewable energy sources, advanced energy infrastructure, energy storage solutions, hydrogen-based technologies, energy efficiency, and other sustainable innovations. It can be considered a “Black Swan” event. However, I suggest examining this situation from a different perspective. It integrates social, civic and professional aspects.
Improved energy literacy
Many EU countries have implemented support programmes to encourage the adoption of renewable energy systems in the residential and commercial sectors, resulting in a significant increase in the number of skilled individuals. However, even if we are not always aware of the lack of energy literacy, a significant proportion of consumers with this new renewable capacity (including some professional sumers) will be saying how their behavior will affect the grid. Or you have a full understanding of how it affects the potential benefits of your choice. Energy system.
This phenomenon observed among the general population can be linked to the Dunning Kruger effect, a tendency to overestimate one’s own understanding of the complex implications of energy systems. This is not surprising. Energy infrastructure and market dynamics require sophisticated technical and economic knowledge and are often inaccessible to individuals outside of these areas.
Based on the scientific foundations of this idea, another phenomenon with deep meanings of social meaning has been revealed in public discourse: artificial conversion to knowledge of opinions (pseudo-knowledge). This phenomenon underscores the importance of equipping citizens with the tools and resources needed to make informed decisions, particularly in areas such as energy policies, where public opinion is increasingly affecting regulatory outcomes. It’s there.
The importance of education and reskills
This is a deliberate effort to strengthen individuals’ ability to engage in complex topics, such as reskilling initiatives and adapted education programs, which allow citizens to fully grasp the complexity of the technical and economic systems. I’m looking for something. Addressing the need for informed decision-making is not merely an intellectual effort, but to navigate the complexity of the rapidly evolving energy sector where we all have to play an active role. It is the basic step to fostering an equipped, knowledgeable and adaptable society.
The fundamental question arises: What is the gap between the pace of technological advancement and the average level of energy literacy in civil society?
Boost education under the European green trade
To address these issues, I, as eusew Young Energy Ambassador, recommend that central and regional authorities make education the basis of European green trading. This can be done by launching the program: The Green Deal Education Initiative – Education First. The initiative will support schools, high schools, colleges and parent associations in adapting existing curricula and creating new educational subjects centered around green transitions.
The European Union fully understands that its competence in the field of education is limited and that it cannot directly change the curriculum or require new subjects. However, working with member states and their education ministries can play a supporting role. The EU’s role includes expanding existing best practices, promoting knowledge sharing platforms, and providing financial and technical support to member states to adapt and strengthen education frameworks.
For the younger generation, education is of paramount importance, as it will be the primary actor in achieving long-term climate goals and developing sustainable skills and capabilities. For green technology users, whether it is residential, commercial use or local public agencies, education programs are essential to maximize the efficiency of these technologies and promote integration into everyday practices.
Furthermore, technical education and vocational training for those working in the production, installation and maintenance of these technologies is important to ensure optimal performance of green technology in all sectors. In parallel with the investment programme, the European Union supports the implementation of large educational programs by providing financial and logistical support to universities, research centres and high schools, and thereby all stakeholders involved. to ensure an efficient and sustainable transition.
Unlocking the massive adoption of green technology requires some practical measures and actions. First and foremost, training education staff is a priority as educators play an important role in preparing future generations. This requires financial support, and ongoing professional development programs will integrate sustainability-related topics into the school curriculum, bringing young people to face green transition challenges.
Second, for the case of existing workforce, reskilling programs such as “back to school” will promote the transition to roles within the green economy and provide the necessary capabilities to meet new market demands . Finally, community engagement through local campaigns and parent associations is essential to strengthening sustainability values, promoting lifelong learning, and thus fostering a culture of sustainability across society. These measures are fundamental to successful transitions to a green, sustainable future.
The transition of clean energy does not occur without having citizens on board. This requires historical educational efforts. The European Green Deal Education Initiative, “Green Deal Education Initiative – Education First,” could transform the European education system and mark historic moments to match the demands of a sustainable future. Prioritizing education can help develop an informed, skilled workforce that can drive an ecological transition and support the European Union’s ambitious sustainability goals.
link
https://education.ec.europa.eu/focus-topics/green-education/about-green-education https://www.sciencedirectirec.com/science/pii/s0301421524001265 https://europa.eu/eurobaroter/ surveys/detail/2672
About the author
Alexandru Muresan is a researcher, entrepreneur and educator in the field of energy transition. A member of Cluj-Napoca Institute of Technology’s Energy Transition Researcher Center, he is also the CEO of Renergia, Romania’s first sustainability app that helps users lower their energy bills and protect the planet.
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