Dr. Alexandru Muresan, a prominent figure from the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca and a EUSEW Young Energy Ambassador, has sparked a crucial debate on the role of education and workforce development in the European Green Deal’s transition to sustainable energy. As the EU and its member states pour significant investments into green technologies and infrastructure, Muresan argues that the human element of this transition is often overlooked. The pressing need for a specialized workforce is already evident, with many countries experiencing shortages in key areas. Simultaneously, the success of the European Green Deal hinges on citizens’ ability to understand and adopt new technologies and practices.
Muresan posits that climate change, acting as a disruptive ‘black swan’ event, is compelling substantial financial resources into renewable energy sources, advanced energy infrastructure, energy storage solutions, hydrogen-based technologies, energy efficiency, and other sustainable innovations. However, he urges a shift in perspective, one that merges social, civic, and professional dimensions. He highlights the importance of improving energy literacy, noting that many consumers, including prosumers, lack a comprehensive understanding of how their behavior impacts the grid or the potential benefits of their choices in the energy system. This phenomenon, linked to the Dunning-Kruger effect, underscores the need for citizens to be equipped with the tools and resources necessary for informed decision-making, particularly in areas like energy policy.
Muresan emphasizes the importance of education and reskilling initiatives to enhance individual capacity to engage with complex topics. He argues that addressing the need for informed decision-making is not just an intellectual endeavor but a fundamental step toward cultivating a knowledgeable and adaptable society. The gap between the pace of technological advancement and the average level of energy literacy within civil society is a critical concern. To bridge this gap, Muresan recommends that central and regional authorities make education a cornerstone of the European Green Deal through a program called ‘The Green Deal Education Initiative – Education First.’
This initiative would support educational institutions in adapting existing curricula and creating new educational subjects centered on the green transition. While the EU has limited competencies in the field of education, it can play a supporting role by collaborating with Member States and their Education Ministries. The EU’s role should involve scaling up existing best practices, facilitating knowledge-sharing platforms, and providing financial and technical support to Member States to adapt and enhance their educational frameworks.
Muresan underscores the importance of education for younger generations, who will become the principal actors in achieving long-term climate goals and developing sustainable skills and competencies. For users of green technologies, educational programs are vital to maximizing the efficiency of these technologies and facilitating their integration into daily practices. Technical education and vocational training for those working in the production, installation, and maintenance of these technologies are also crucial to ensuring the optimal performance of green technologies across all sectors.
To unlock large-scale adoption of green technologies, Muresan proposes several practical measures. First, the training of teaching staff is a priority, as educators play a key role in preparing future generations. This would require financial support and continuous professional development programs to enable educators to integrate sustainability-related topics into school curricula. Secondly, reskilling programs such as ‘Back to School’ will facilitate the transition to roles within the green economy, providing the competencies required to meet new market demands. Lastly, community involvement through local campaigns and parent associations is essential for reinforcing sustainability values and promoting lifelong learning, thereby fostering a culture of sustainability across society.
Muresan’s insights challenge the status quo and spark a debate on the necessity of a historic educational effort to support the Clean Energy Transition. The European Green Deal education initiative ‘The Green Deal Education Initiative – Education First’ has the potential to mark a historic moment in transforming the European educational system, aligning it with the demands of a sustainable future. By prioritizing education, we can cultivate a well-informed and skilled workforce capable of driving the ecological transition and supporting the European Union’s ambitious sustainability goals.
