AThe CEATY project, an Erasmus+ initiative focused on empowering young people as agents of change in the fight against climate change, recently concluded with a captivating Final Conference in Ankara, Turkey. The event, which drew over 150 students and 50 guests, highlighted the project’s innovative approach to climate education and its commitment to building a sustainable future.

The conference featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Elifcan Kanatlı Apaydın from the Ministry of Environment, Prof. Dr. Deniz Üne from METU (Middle East Technical University), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selcen Babaoğlu Aydaş from Gazi University. These experts shared valuable insights on renewable energy research, climate change challenges, and the crucial role of education in fostering sustainability.

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in interactive training programs and activities, utilizing the CEATY project’s e-learning platform and Clean Energy Toolkit. These resources, designed to educate and empower young people about clean energy and climate action, provided a dynamic and engaging learning experience.

The CEATY Final Conference served as a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in the education of young generations to achieve the EU’s ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. By fostering climate literacy and empowering students to become Clean Energy Ambassadors, the CEATY project is contributing to a wider cultural shift towards sustainability and a greener future for all.

Diana Paunova-Galeva, a chief expert at SOFENA participated in a ManagEnergy Master Class that aimed to equip Energy Agencies and Regional and Local Authorities across Europe with the skills and knowledge to foster, stimulate and develop sustainable energy projects in Europe. Designed to build the capacity, expertise and knowledge of energy agencies’ staff, these Master Classes also presented opportunities for networking with peers.
The course included 3 full days of intense training on the theme of Energy Communities.
This Class was delivered in a blended learning format:
· A first online session was on 20th September morning;
· The second session was face-to-face in Brussels on 01-02nd October (one and a half day);
· The third and final session was online on 18th October.
The format of the classes included problem-solving exercises,workshops, case studies and guest lectures from agencies and organizations relevant to energy communities.
This Master Class was delivered by experts from the regional energy agency of Upper Austria OO Energiesparverband, supported by guest speakers.
The program aims to foster deeper knowledge among the participants of the guiding principles of Energy Communities (ECs) according to RED II, of operational models and of value propositions. It will develop their core competencies in facilitating and supporting the development of ECs in their cities and regions. Key topics of this module include the European framework for ECs, the promotion, the start-up and the operation phase of ECs, the involvement of citizens, financing and successful examples.
Special focus was given to:

• Regulatory framework;
• Economics of Energy Communities;
• Development of an Energy Community and engaging citizens

For more information, please visit: https://managenergy.ec.europa.eu/managenergy-discover/news/building-energy-system-future-insights-first-energy-communities-master-class-2024-10-18_en