From Skills to Sustainability: The Repower Regions Project officially kicked off!

The European heating and cooling sector is at a crucial turning point. As the continent accelerates its transition to a net-zero future, the demand for skilled professionals with expertise in sustainable and digital energy solutions has never been higher. Recognising this need, the Repower Regions project, a three-year Erasmus+ Alliance for Innovation initiative, has been launched to address the skills gap and drive decarbonisation efforts. With Kildare County Council leading the project and a consortium of twelve partners from ten European countries onboard, REHVA (Federation of European Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Associations) is playing a pivotal role in shaping the initiative’s impact on industry standards and professional training.

Bridging the Skills Gap in Sustainable HVAC

Heating and cooling account for nearly half of Europe’s total energy consumption, making them key areas for climate action and innovation. The Repower Regions project aims to enhance the capacity of higher education (HE), vocational education (VET), and continuous vocational education and training (CVET) institutions to deliver updated and industry-relevant training in sustainable heating and cooling systems. Through curriculum development, training materials, and digital learning tools, the project seeks to equip current and future HVAC professionals with the necessary skills to contribute to Europe’s green transition.

REHVA’s role in this initiative is fundamental. As the leading European network representing national HVAC associations, REHVA brings extensive expertise in energy-efficient building technologies and sustainable climate solutions. Through its involvement, REHVA ensures that training content aligns with the latest industry standards, regulatory frameworks, and best practices. The federation will also facilitate knowledge exchange between academia and industry, fostering collaboration that drives real-world innovation.

Strengthening Industry-Academia Collaboration

A key strength of the Repower Regions project is its holistic approach to workforce development. By connecting educators, policymakers, and industry leaders, the project ensures that educational curricula meet market demands and technological advancements. REHVA’s participation in this process is invaluable, as it provides a bridge between the academic community and the HVAC sector.

By engaging with REHVA’s extensive network, the project will benefit from real-time industry insights, ensuring that training materials are practical, applicable, and aligned with future trends. Additionally, REHVA will support dissemination activities, promoting project outcomes across its member associations and the broader HVAC community. This outreach will help maximize the project’s impact, enabling more professionals and organisations to benefit from new learning opportunities.

A Sustainable Future for the HVAC Sector

The launch of Repower Regions marks a significant milestone in the push for a decarbonised European built environment. The project will not only provide much-needed upskilling opportunities but will also create a lasting impact by fostering a more resilient, adaptable, and future-ready HVAC workforce. Companies in the sector will benefit from a highly trained talent pool, equipped with the digital and green skills necessary to implement innovative energy solutions.

REHVA invites all stakeholders—educators, industry professionals, and policymakers—to engage with the Repower Regions project and contribute to the transformation of Europe’s heating and cooling landscape. Through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and investment in skills development, the HVAC sector can lead the charge toward a sustainable and energy-secure future.

Whether you are an educator, policymaker, or industry professional, this project offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of Europe’s clean energy transformation. Stay updated on upcoming opportunities to participate via our website: repowerregions.eu and social media channels. Repower Regions: About | LinkedIn, Facebook