Energy Student: Empowering the Next Generation for a Sustainable Future

By 2050, the renewable energy sector is expected to account for 84% of all energy jobs. Yet, many young people are not pursuing careers in this field due to a lack of awareness or understanding of the opportunities available. The Erasmus+ Energy Student project seeks to change this. This €60,000 initiative, running from April 2023 to December 2024, equipped students aged 10 to 15 in Slovenia and the Netherlands with the knowledge and skills to reduce carbon emissions and explore careers in renewable energy.

The project inspires a new generation of eco-leaders and innovators by bringing climate action into the classroom. A total of 378 students—128 from Slovenia and 250 from the Netherlands—were engaged in dynamic campaigns and hands-on activities, tackling energy challenges, and advocating for sustainable practices. The initiative also highlights the vital role of careers in renewable energy and the importance of technical professions in addressing climate change, gender inequalities, and skills shortages, all while preparing students for the digitised energy landscape.

At 15 participating schools (5 in Slovenia and 10 in the Netherlands), older “Energy Students” studying renewable energy serve as role models, guiding younger students through engaging energy challenges. Students measure their schools’ energy use, brainstorm ways to reduce consumption, and implement their ideas, resulting in an average 15% reduction in energy consumption. Elementary schools also participate with fun activities that promote energy conservation and carbon reduction, including climate quizzes and hands-on projects. The increased interest in environmental and technical studies demonstrates the programme’s success in igniting passion for green careers.

Beyond immediate benefits such as lower energy use and heightened awareness of sustainable practices, the project has long-term goals. It aims to spark greater interest in technical studies and decarbonisation careers, ultimately helping to address the skills gap in the renewable energy sector. By implementing energy-saving measures and tracking results with smart meters, participating schools are already seeing reductions in CO2 emissions. The positive feedback from students and teachers reflects growing enthusiasm for further education in environmental issues.

Energy Student is more than just a project; it’s a crucial step toward building a sustainable future. By empowering young people to take action against climate change, fostering awareness, and providing inspiring role models, the project is preparing the next generation to lead the transition to a clean energy future.

This best practice is extracted from our publication ‘Sustainable Regions in Action‘. Discover more best practices here!