EduEnergy 2.0: Towards Shaping the Future of Renewable Energy Transition in the Western Balkans, 30 October 2024
The Edu-Energy 2.0: Towards Shaping the Future of Renewable Energy Transition in the Western Balkans was organised online on 30 October 2024 by the Education Reform Initiative of South Eastern Europe – ERI SEE in cooperation with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit – GIZ within the scope of the Renewable Energy Services in Education and Training RESET project. The RESET project is implemented by ERI SEE as a part of a bigger GIZ-led regional project: Green Agenda: Decarbonizing of the Electricity Sector in the Western Balkans region. The projects are commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development – BMZ.
The conference looked at fostering dialogue on the evolving role of the education sector in the context of the region’s transition towards renewable energy. Discussions focused on how current and future labour market trends intersect with social sustainability, economic inclusion, and gender equity. A key objective was to future labour market and educational trends that ensure the green economy not only promotes environmental goals but also provides opportunities for all, particularly by addressing barriers to women’s participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
The audience, around 100 participants from the whole region, was greeted by Mr Nicolas Heger, Project Manager of the GIZ and Ms Tina Šarić, Director of the Education Reform Initiative of South Eastern Europe – ERI SEE.
Nicolas Heger, Project Manager, GIZ stated that ‘through the Green Agenda project, GIZ is exploring the human dimension of the energy transition. We would like to understand the impact of the energy transition with massive infrastructural investments into grids RE facilities on the labour market or on vulnerable groups (future of the coal regions). As the RE based energy is booming in the region, the lack of skilled worker is not only visible on the construction sites, but also inside energy sector organizations such as grid operators or regulators. For instance, when operating RE technologies, such as complex IT systems or power grid planning it is crucial to attract highly skilled professionals. We would like to inspire professionals of all kinds for a career in energy and be part of a green future of the Western Balkan region.’
Tina Šarić, Director, ERI SEE emphasised that ‘the EduEnergy 2.0 Conference highlighted the expected effects of the green transition on both the labour market and education and training sector. There is a clear understanding between education and businesses that there is a need for new education programmes catering for the new needs of the labour market. Steps are already being taken in that direction by the education sector, and further activities are planned. What is crucial is that on this path, education is supported by businesses that would offer more practical experiences and trainings for students and learners during their education periods, and that at the same time, education creates opportunities for fast response to business needs through more flexible types of learning. The communication channels between the two – education and businesses – should be kept open and active the whole time.’ Ms Šarić opening and concluding remarks are available on the ERI SEE webpage.
In his presentation titled “Challenges and Support Strategies in Vocational School Selection: The Impact of Interests, Career Maturity, and Gender Stereotypes – Insights from Croatia,” Prof. Dr. Toni Babarović of the Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences, highlighted key challenges students face during educational transitions—from primary to secondary school, and later, from secondary education into higher education or the workforce. He addressed the complexities of early career decision-making in adolescence, which is hindered by factors like underdeveloped vocational interests, limited career maturity, and a variety of personal and social factors that influence the process. Prof. Babarović underscored findings from research showing a low alignment between students’ interests and the vocational programs they enrol in, often leading to diminished school engagement, poorer academic performance, and less favourable career outcomes. He also highlighted the impact of gender stereotypes, particularly in choosing STEM educational fields, and advocated for strategies to overcome these biases through both formal and informal education. The session concluded with an introduction to online tools and workshops developed in Croatia to support primary and secondary students in their career development and decision-making. Importantly, these career guidance tools are freely available and can be adapted or independently developed for use across the Western Balkans. His presentation is available here.
Ana-Maria Boromisa, research adviser at the Institute for Development and International Relations, Zagreb, Croatia, noted that ‘results of the labour market effect analysis show that the potential for job creation in renewable sector exceeds potential job loss in coal sector in Wester Balkans. However, transition might entail significant technical, political, financial and social challenges, thus the sequencing of reforms and creation of enabling conditions is of utmost importance. Technical barriers relate mainly to grid infrastructure, energy storage and integration complexity, financial barriers are high initial costs and current market structure. Regulatory and policy barriers are inconsistent policies, permitting and land use regulations. Social barriers relate to skills gap, public opposition and lack of awareness. The Study also formulates policy recommendations to address these challenges.
Based on the results following recommendations for policy makers are formulated:
- Formally adopt climate neutrality goals and develop action plans for the phase-out of fossil TPPs
- Improve the regulatory framework that enables the decarbonisation of energy systems
- Improve the business environment and investment climate
- Develop financial instruments for restructuring (including social protection of workers)
- Encourage inclusion in the formal labour market
- Continue to develop general public awareness about the need to limit emissions and decarbonise power sector
- Anticipate skills needs in the public sector and enable competence reinforcement’
Ana-Maria Bormisa’s presentation is available here.
Ivana Živadinović of the ERI SEE, presented findings from an education mapping exercise conducted by ERI SEE in collaboration with vocational education and training (VET) and qualifications agencies across the WB6 region. ‘The results of the WB6 education mapping indicate substantial progress in updating qualification standards within the electrical and mechanical sectors to support the renewable energy (RE) transition. Specifically, between one-fifth and one-half of qualifications in these sectors now incorporate renewable energy sources (RES) as a focus. Future developments in the education sector are anticipated to concentrate on creating new, innovative, and multidisciplinary qualifications, alongside supportive educational materials at both national and regional levels. These qualifications are expected not only to provide contemporary professional content but also to foster a just transition by addressing the social dimensions of education. Emphasis should be placed on developing materials aligned with the principles of social sustainability, digitalisation, and gender equity’. Ms Živadinović’s presentation can be downloaded here.
Melina Kalem, Expert Associate of the CETEOR provided more information on the policy brief “Addressing vulnerable groups in the energy transition with focus on workers in the coal sector and women in the Western Balkans” that examines the socio-economic challenges faced by coal sector workers, women, and other vulnerable groups as the Western Balkans navigates the transition to renewable energy. During socio-economic and political changes such as the energy transition, it becomes paramount to safeguard the rights of vulnerable and marginalized communities by emphasizing the need for a human rights-centered approach in policymaking, aiming to protect these populations from unfavourable impacts like job loss, displacement, economic insecurity, and energy poverty. The brief offers actionable recommendations to foster an inclusive transition, aligned with international and regional standards, while also promoting gender equality, and equitable access to new green jobs and energy resources across the region.
More about the RESET project is available here.
