EduEnergy 2.0: Towards Shaping the Future of Renewable Energy Transition in the Western Balkans
Summary
The conference Edu-Energy 2.0: Towards Shaping the Future of Renewable Energy Transition in the Western Balkans brought together around 100 participants from across the region. It aimed to foster dialogue on the evolving role of the education sector in the Western Balkans’ transition to renewable energy. The discussions focused on the intersection of current and future labor market trends with social sustainability, economic inclusion, and gender equity. A key objective was to identify future labor market and education trends, so the green economy supports both the environment and equal opportunity. This includes removing barriers that limit women’s participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The conference was held 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).
In his welcome note, Nicolas Heger, Project Manager of 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 renewable energy (RE) facilities on the labor market or on vulnerable groups (future of the coal regions). As RE is booming in the region, the lack of skilled workers is not only visible on the construction sites, but also inside energy sector organizations such as grid operators or regulators. 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.'
Presentations
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)
The presentation explores key challenges students face during educational transitions—from primary to secondary school, into higher education or the workforce. Early career decision-making in adolescence is often complicated by undeveloped vocational interests, limited career maturity, and various personal and social influences. Research shows that poor alignment between students’ interests and their chosen vocational programs can reduce academic performance. Gender stereotypes also affect students’ choices in STEM fields, requiring targeted strategies to address them. He also gave an overview of free online tools and workshops developed in Croatia to support career development and decision-making among students. These resources can be adapted for use throughout the region. The presentation can be accessed here.
Labor Market Effect Analysis (Ana-Maria Boromisa, research adviser at the Institute for Development and International Relations, Zagreb, Croatia)
In her presentation, Ana-Maria Boromisa highlighted that the renewable energy sector in the Western Balkans offers greater job creation potential than the job losses expected from the coal phase-out. She noted, however, that the transition faces major technical, financial, regulatory, and social challenges—from grid limitations and high investment costs to inconsistent policies and skills gaps. Boromisa stressed that careful sequencing of reforms and supportive conditions will be crucial for a just and successful transition. The study also formulates policy recommendations to address these challenges. The presentation can be accessed here.
Education Provision Mapping (Ivana Živadinović, ERI SEE)
Ivana Živadinović presented findings from an education mapping exercise that shows significant progress in updating qualification standards in the electrical and mechanical sectors to support the RE transition. Between 20% and 50% of qualifications in these sectors now incorporate RE sources as a focus. Future developments are expected to focus on creating innovative, multidisciplinary qualifications and 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. Živadinović stressed that emphasis should be placed on developing materials aligned with the principles of social sustainability, digitalization, and gender equity. The study has been conducted by ERI SEE in collaboration with vocational education and training (VET) and qualifications agencies across the Western Balkans. The presentation can be accessed here.
Addressing vulnerable groups in the energy transition with focus on workers in the coal sector and women in the Western Balkans (Melina Kalem, Expert Associate CETEOR)
This policy brief, presented by Melina Kalem, examines the socio-economic challenges faced by coal sector workers, women, and other vulnerable groups as the Western Balkans transition to renewable energy. It highlights the importance of safeguarding the rights of marginalized communities amid socio-economic and political changes such as the energy transition. The brief calls for a human rights–centered approach to policymaking to protect these populations from job loss, displacement, economic insecurity, and energy poverty. It also provides actionable recommendations to promote an inclusive transition aligned with international and regional standards, while also promoting gender equality and equitable access to green jobs and energy resources.
The presentation can be accessed [ here].
Concluding Remarks (Tina Šarić, Director of the Education Reform Initiative of South Eastern Europe - ERI SEE)
In her concluding remarks, Tina Šarić highlighted that the EduEnergy 2.0 Conference underscored the impact of the green transition on both the labour market and the education and training sector. She noted a shared understanding between education and business that new programmes are needed to meet emerging labour market demands. The education sector has already begun taking steps in this direction, with further activities planned. Šarić stressed the importance of strong support from businesses, particularly through practical training and work experience opportunities for students. At the same time, education should remain flexible and responsive to business needs. Finally, she emphasized the need to maintain open and active communication between education and business sectors. The presentation can be accessed here.
