Launch of Repower Regions – Transforming Europe's Heating and Cooling Sector
Steinbeis-SIT joins a project focused on decarbonisation, digital skills, and sustainable solutions in Europe’s heating and cooling sector
Steinbeis School of Sustainable Innovation and Transformation (SIT), affiliated with Steinbeis University GmbH, dedicates itself to delivering exceptional educational programmes and offering guidance in innovation and transformation within the realm of sustainable management. Steinbeis-SIT upholds this principle, utilising the Steinbeis technology transfer capabilities to address some of society's most pressing issues.
In March 2025, SIT joined hands with the Kildare County Council, Ireland, to kickstart the Repower Regions project. Kildare County Council is now leading Repower Regions, a prestigious three-year Erasmus+ Alliance for Innovation project focused on decarbonisation, digital skills, and sustainable solutions in Europe’s heating and cooling sector, an energy-intensive industry that accounts for nearly half of Europe’s total energy consumption.
Bringing together twelve partners from ten European countries, the Repower Regions project was officially launched in Naas, Ireland on 20th March 2025 by Ms Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Kildare County Council, who emphasised its ambitious scope. She highlighted that the initiative would strengthen energy security and build economic resilience while advancing Europe’s mission to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. With a growing demand for skilled professionals in sustainable heating and cooling, Repower Regions is actively engaging stakeholders across Europe.
A New Era for Sustainable Skills and Training
As an Erasmus+ Alliance for Innovation project, Repower Regions will enhance the capacity of higher education (HE), vocational education (VET), and continuous vocational education and training (CVET) institutions to provide updated and industry-relevant training in sustainable heating and cooling systems. Over the next three years, the partnership will focus on supplying educators with the latest industry insights, revised curricula, and modern teaching methods. It will also develop an educational course and training materials for current and future workers in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and construction sectors. By bridging the skills gap, this initiative will equip professionals with green and digital skills, essential for decarbonising Europe’s built environment.
Impact and Opportunities for Stakeholders
The impact of Repower Regions will extend across multiple sectors. Education and training providers in universities and vocational institutions will gain access to up-to-date resources and methodologies. HVAC and construction professionals will receive training in sustainable heating and cooling solutions, positioning them for new opportunities in the evolving market. Companies will benefit from a more skilled workforce, enabling them to undertake innovative projects and maintain competitiveness in the clean energy sector.
SIT is in active pursuit of engagement with the companies, training providers and institutions in the Adlershof hub that are dealing with sustainable heating and cooling solutions, to learn from and contribute to.
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 the project’s social media channels: Repower Regions LinkedIn channel, Facebook page.
Press release Repower Regions via Steinbeis SIT, 27 March 2025