New education models, improved practical skills, lasting tools and policy recommendations – these are the core results of the SKILLBILL project. From European Specialisation Programme to interactive online courses on photovoltaics and energy management, via the Green Portal and youth competitions to practical suggestions how to improve the challenges renewable energy sector is facing today – SKILLBILL has built wealth of resources. They will continue to prepare Europe’s workforce for the renewable energy transition.
The project Skills to Boost Innovation and Professional Fulfilment in a Sustainable Economy (SKILLBILL), funded under Horizon Europe, ran from 2022 to 2025. Its mission was clear: to raise awareness and the level of education among academia, industry, decision-makers and civil society on the urgent need to decarbonize our society through extensive deployment of renewable energy sources. As well as to strengthen vocational education, foster inclusive and hands-on training, and connect experts across regions to respond to the growing demand for skills in renewable energy.
Lasting results that make difference
Over three years, SKILLBILL developed tools and activities designed not only for students and teachers. But also, for policymakers and industry actors. Among its key outcomes are:
1.EUROPEAN SPECIALISATION PROGRAMME
A flagship initiative of SKILLBILL, the “specialisation school”, is an education programme developed and offered by four prestigious European universities. It will virtually “open its gates” again in 2026/2027 school year.
The programme offers advanced educational modules for graduates, professionals, and teachers in renewable technologies, energy transition and circular economy. It is aimed at bachelor’s graduates, particularly in engineering and physics preparing technicians, designers, and researchers for sustainable energy needs.
The aim of the programme is to deepen technical knowledge and practical skills, while addressing the economic and social impacts of renewables.
More info on the programme and how to apply can be found here.
2. ONLINE COURSES
The project strengthened vocational education and training (VET) for renewables. It developed curricula adapted to new technologies and offered free interactive online courses:
3. GREEN PORTAL
An open online platform Green Portal has been developed with the aim to offer clear and structured information on:
It gathers everything needed to introduce a different type of users at different levels to renewable energy technologies, providing access to knowledge, mentoring, training modules. Aa dedicated Green Woman section promotes women in energy as SKILLBILL was addressing the problem of gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and low involvement of women in this sector.
4. JOINT RESKILLING TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY
Joint Stakeholder Initiative created via four Working Groups – Electricity, Heat, Fuels, Mobility – together with mobilisation and mutual learning workshops linked experts, policy-makers, and educators across Europe. Their aim was to bring new solutions to problems RES sector is facing and create recommendations for policy makers to foster real change. They turned technological progress into policy recommendations and actionable results building upon best practice and cooperation across sectors.
5. HANDBOOK FOR JOINT INITIATIVES
A practical guide for policy-makers, institutions, and communities has been prepared. It offers simple steps for planning and carrying out partnerships in green education.
6.GREEN CONTEST
A creative competition for young people aged 6–18 has been successfully organised. It produced inspiring works such as YES I CAN (Slovakia) and The Power of Wind, the Light of the Community (Italy). Both projects highlighted inclusion, equality, and the role of women in green technologies and community life.
Why It Matters
The SKILLBILL project proved that the energy transition is not only about technology. It is also about people.
Its multi-layered approach – online learning, creative youth competitions, inclusive platforms, and training capacity – delivered a model that can:
A Lasting Legacy
All project outputs remain freely available on the SKILLBILL website. These include courses, materials, mentoring tools, handbooks, and reports from the working groups.
Even though the project has officially closed, its impact continues. Through an active community, SKILLBILL lives on – supporting the skills needed for innovation and professional fulfilment in a sustainable economy.
Find it all at www.skillbill-project.eu
