Work

From Knowledge to Action in Tackling Energy Poverty: The Role of European Postgraduate Programs in Energy Equity

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Education can play a pivotal role in the eradication of energy poverty by facilitating the transfer of knowledge and skills to all interested stakeholders and promoting the adoption of sustainable energy solutions. In the context of this paper, a comprehensive review of European master's programs related to energy poverty is carried out. The analysis reveals a strong interdisciplinarity in the fields of engineering, environmental science, social policy, and renewable energy technologies. The findings highlight that the United Kingdom, France, Greece, and Romania are leading contributors to energy poverty education. Within the framework of the EU-funded project “MSc in Energy Poverty Alleviation Technologies”, the study highlights the critical need for targeted academic curricula specifically designed to bridge the persistent gap between academic research and its real-world applications. Such curricula would not only provide students with a solid theoretical foundation but also equip them with the practical skills and interdisciplinary knowledge required to implement effective and innovative sustainable energy solutions. In this context, the expansion and continuous refinement of postgraduate programs in the field of sustainable energy are of paramount importance. These programs play a pivotal role in educating a new generation of highly skilled professionals capable of addressing the complex and multifaceted challenges associated with energy poverty, ultimately contributing to global efforts toward sustainable development and energy equity.

Source: Challenges

DOI: 10.3390/challe16040055