Laura is currently employed in the energy sector. We will guide you through the challenges that Laura is facing today and in the near future. ↓
It starts with the extraction of renewable and non-renewable fuels and ends with the conversion into useful energy for end consumers. The energy industry is made up of fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal, electrical and nuclear power, and renewable energy sources which are used to meet the demand. However, environmental issues associated with energy production are primarily caused by the combustion of fossil fuels, which contributes to air and water pollution, climate change, and solid waste management problems.
DID YOU KNOW ?
The European Energy sector accounts for over 75% of total GHG emissions in the area (2020)
Electricity demand is expected to increase steadily in Europe, on a 2% average per year until 2035
CLIMATE CHANGE CONSEQUENCES ↓
The increased use of cooling systems will lead to a rise in electricity demand. However, many regions will suffer from a decrease in water supplies. This water scarcity will not only affect the energy sector but also the overall water supply infrastructure.
Hydroelectric power plants are sensitive to water flow volume and timing. During heavy floods or rainfall, some water flows might have to be diverted to prevent flooding, which can negatively impact other economic activities.
Offshore drilling energy facilities may also be at risk due to sea-level rise and frequent storms. This could harm the productivity of these facilities and reduce the supply of energy.
Utilities and infrastructure will have to be more resilient to cope with the occurrence of more extreme weather events.
Different energy sources and technologies will also be affected by climate change, making a secure, reliable, and resilient energy supply vital for the economy.
GREEN DEAL ↓
The EU Green Deal
The EU has created a new growth strategy called the European Green Deal to address current environmental changes. The strategy aims to achieve a climate-neutral Europe by 2050 and zero net emissions of greenhouse gases. The Green Deal encompasses 8 policy areas with plans for all sectors and industries.
Energy > Supply clean, affordable and secure energy
Clean, affordable and secure energy will be the result of two things: the use of renewable energy sources and the improvement in energy efficiency. In 2019, all EU member states submitted a National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) that outlines their approach to addressing these issues from 2021 to 2030. Furthermore, the European Commission emphasizes the following important principles:
Prioritizing energy efficiency
Developing a renewable resources-based energy/power sector
Securing affordable EU energy supply, being less reliant on other countries
Having an integrated digitised energy market
GOOD EXAMPLES ↓
Renewable energy cooperatives (RESCOOPs) are the most democratic and oldest form of energy community. REScoop.eu, the European federation of citizen energy cooperatives, is the umbrella agency supporting a growing network of 1 900 communities, representing >1.25 mln citizens.
Green transition - EU
Energy communities
Ørsted company transitioned from being 90% dependant on fossil fuels to become 90% reliance on renewables. Prospect trade union has agreed a landmark recognition agreement with leading offshore wind company Ørsted UK, that will cover all employees involved in the operation and maintenance of its 12 UK offshore wind farms.
Green transition and just transition - UK
Green energy & sustainable carreers
The Carpathian Modernized Energy Network Smart Grid Project falls within the EU's 'Project of Common Interest'. Its objective is to modernize and enhance the transmission and distribution networks for electricity, thus boosting operational efficiency. Additionally, the project aims to facilitate safe electricity flow through the implementation of new renewable energy sources.
Green transition - Hungary and Romania
Carmen project
Multiutility- A2A is a company operating in the supply of electricity, gas and water. It is at the forefront of the national scene regarding the involvement of social partners and local players in the definition of company policies, the inclusion of diversity and gender equality in the company. In 2022, it also increased its investment in the development of renewable energy, sustainable mobility and the circular economy, anticipating the zero-emission target by 10 years. The action within the framework of sharing the industrial plan has favoured the trade union delegation, who can now suggest additions with particular reference to Just Transition issues. Of particular importance is the permanent table on thermoelectric production (gas and coal plants under conversion). Two of the company’s plants (Brindisi and Messina) are also developing technologies for grid frequency support and waste-to-energy systems. Finally, a joint table was set up to define training topics with training courses run jointly by the company and trade unions aimed at strengthening the skills of workers involved in production reconversion processes in order to strengthen the sustainability of energy production
Green transition - EU
Multiutility - A2A
The main goal for this project is to ensure the effective implementation of the Hungarian National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), with a specific focus on achieving decarbonisation and promoting sustainable, fair transitions in the Mátra Power Plant and its surrounding area.
Green transition and just transition -North Hungary
The project is based on a public/ private financial partnership. It has the support of the Walloon government and in particular the Minister of the Economy. It is part of the NEXT programme. The “NEXT-Circular Economy” programme is one of the three cross-cutting axes of Walloon industrial policy, which are complementary to the six competitiveness clusters (the “Poles”). It concerns the efficient management of resources, the closing of material flows and new economic models, all of which constitute the key elements of the circular economy.
Green transition and just transition - BE
Reverse Metallurgy Project
In 1993, the Flemish government made the decision to put a stop to the gravel extraction sector due to its significant environmental impact. The implementation of the gravel decree meant that gravel extraction had to be completely phased out by 2006. To achieve this goal, production quotas were imposed on extraction companies and they had to pay a tax for every tonne of gravel extracted. This tax was used to establish a gravel fund that financed the rearrangement of the landscape, the social reconversion of the sector, and the exploration of alternative options to gravel.
In 2009, the gravel decree was amended to allow for the continuation of gravel extraction under strict environmental conditions. The Elerweerd project (Project Elerweerd (limburg.be) is an example of such a project, where commercial gravel extraction was permitted to improve flood security around the Maas river and create a nature reserve.
The social committee, which includes trade unions, has been successful in providing outplacement, training opportunities, early retirement, and financial compensation for affected workers. Despite the sector's decline in employee numbers to just a few dozen, the committee's activities are ongoing.
Green transition - BE
Grevel sector
FUNDING ↓
The European Commission has presented the REPowerEU Plan in response to the challenges and market disruption caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The plan focuses on
saving energy
producing clean energy
diversifying our energy supplies
To achieve this, financial and legal measures will be put in place to build the necessary energy infrastructure and system in Europe. To phase out Russian fossil fuel imports, which currently cost European taxpayers almost €100 billion annually, additional investments of €210 billion will be required by 2027.
JUST TRANSITION
Discover which actions you can undertake ↓
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To effectively manage the complex and multidimensional energy transition, a multi-level governance approach is necessary. Social dialogue plays a crucial role in supporting the transition and ensuring its quality and participatory nature. It also provides a platform for diverse perspectives, resulting in more effective decision-making and broad public support.
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As we shift from traditional to renewable energy sectors, it's crucial to implement policies that maintain fairness in our social protection systems. The goal is to provide support to those who are most impacted by this green transition. Additionally, it's essential to prioritize human and labour rights as prerequisites for a successful energy transition.
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The green transition won't have a catastrophic effect on the energy sector. While positions within the traditional fossil fuel sector may become obsolete, the rise of renewable energy is creating new opportunities. It's important to guide the transition in a way that limits the impact on workers.
Additionally, there's a common belief that only highly-skilled individuals will be in demand as automation becomes more prevalent. However, this is not entirely true. In fact, it's expected that 75% of the workforce in 2050 will consist of manual workers and technicians with lower to medium levels of skill.
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In order to successfully transition to renewable energy, it's important to invest in new skills for workers at all levels of qualification. This can be achieved through training, lifelong learning, and education. It's also crucial to focus on energy-efficient and climate-friendly solutions. New workers should be trained to meet the demand for green energy jobs, while impacted workers should be offered retraining opportunities. By reskilling and upskilling medium-skilled workers, new job opportunities can arise, such as wind turbine operators. At the university level, upskilling programs can lead to the creation of new occupations like energy auditors and consultants. These programs can also provide professional skill upgrades for existing roles, such as building facility managers, architects, and engineers.
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The role of technology is crucial in reducing emissions and promoting the use of non-fossil fuels. A prime example is the advancements in solar energy, making it more efficient and cost-effective. Technical progress is a key factor in driving the adoption of new technologies, making them more affordable and accessible to everyone.
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Certain regions are better equipped to handle the energy transition due to the concentration of energy production. Although renewable energy jobs often emerge in the same area as traditional energy jobs, this isn't always the case. It's important to ensure a fair distribution of job opportunities during the transition, which may require reskilling or job reallocation for workers.
Transitioning systematically to renewables, clean technologies, and energy-efficient applications
Ensuring a secure and affordable EU energy supply
Developing a fully integrated, interconnected, and digitalised EU energy market
GREEN TRANSITION
Discover which actions you can undertake ↓
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A smart power grid is a self-sufficient electricity network system that uses digital automation technology to monitor, control, and analyse the supply chain, resulting in maximum energy efficiency.
It is projected that by 2024, almost 77% of European consumers will have a smart meter for electricity, with approximately 44% also having one for gas.
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The COVID-19 pandemic and energy crisis have fostered increased Eurozone resilience and connectivity in the energy space. Further developments to the progress EU cross-border energy infrastructure are present within the PCI initiative, accelerating the energy transition across the EU.