The energy and green transition need to be supported by a skills transition. Digitalisation is shaping how energy systems are designed and operated, with energy efficiency standing out as one of the most digital intensive areas of the transition.

Building on the Code4Europe European Project, this session explores the growing relevance of digital skills for the green transition, with a specific focus on energy efficiency as a key driver of competitiveness, electrification and decarbonisation. According to the IEA, the clean energy sector supported 14.3 million jobs globally in 2024, with Europe accounting for 23% of these jobs. These figures are expected to grow significantly under both the IEA’s Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS) and the Net Zero Emissions (NZE) scenario. In particular, the NZE scenario, which reflects the level of ambition required to meet the Paris Agreement, points to a rapid expansion of more complex and digital roles. To meet Europe’s energy efficiency requirements alone, an estimated 2 million jobs will be needed by 2030.

Despite this potential, skills shortages remain a critical challenge. According to the IEA, low awareness of energy efficiency training opportunities is identified as the number one non-financial barrier to scaling up the sector. At the same time, the lack of digital skills ranks as a major constraint, limiting the ability of companies and public authorities to deploy innovative solutions at scale. The sector also continues to be perceived as not inclusive, discouraging women and young people from pursuing careers in energy efficiency and digital technologies.

The session brings together educators, industry leaders and policymakers to address these challenges. It will examine how digital skills can accelerate the energy transition, how awareness of training pathways can be improved, and how we must make sure that young people are supported to be part of Europe’s future energy workforce.

Date: 20 October (10:00-11:30)
Location: Online