Young climate leaders leading the way at The International Clean Energy Challenge 2023

2023.09.20

Young climate leaders from across the globe recently came together for the International Clean Energy Challenge 2023, in Upper Austria, for a 5 day-long event (24th to 28th of July). Representing more than 30 countries, these 49 professionals gathered under the guidance of experienced mentors from the REMARKABLE Climate Leaders project. Their mission: to tackle energy-related challenges in 7 European regions, showcasing their innovative solutions and passion for sustainable energy.

                                                                                       Credits: ©OOe Energiesparverband

Organized by OÖ Energiesparverband (ESV), sponsored by REMARKABLE Climate Leaders & Upper Austria, the event aimed to empower young professionals to lead the way in transforming the energy landscape of respective European regions.

Divided into eight teams, the young climate leaders took on a comprehensive range of topics such as building a wide campaign to attract sustainable energy professionals for Upper Austria, designing and promoting a Clean Demonstration Building in Zagreb, connecting with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe, or gaining wind power acceptance in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

Esteemed mentors and experts involved

Under the mentorship of esteemed experts, these participants were able to tap into invaluable knowledge and insights. Barry O’Sullivan from the Shannon Estuary Taskforce and Technological University of the Shannon, Catherine Premat, Head of Territorial Projects and Green Public Procurement at Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Energie Environnement (France), and Christiane Egger, Deputy Manager at ESV (Austria), played instrumental roles in guiding the teams.

On the sharing of expertise, the young climate leaders could rely on mentors like Filip Dumitriu from FEDARENE (Belgium/European Union), Francisco Puente from ESCAN Consulting (Spain), Miljenko Sedlar from REGEA (Croatia), Seamus Hoyne, Chair of the Tipperary Energy Agency (Ireland), and Vlasta Krmelj, Director of Energap and Mayor of Selnica ob Dravi (Slovenia),

The challenge fostered a sense of camaraderie and international collaboration. Participants exchanged ideas, forging lasting connections that will contribute to Europe’s effort to reach climate neutrality before 2050.

With their passion, knowledge and dedication, they have demonstrated that tackling energy challenges requires a collective effort from all other the world.