Circular Economy Pathways for the Energy Transition

Background and Problem

The energy sector is at a critical juncture: power supply systems are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. In shifting energy supply from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, it is not only the technological and ecological aspects that must be taken into account, but also the material resources required.

The project is dedicated to fostering a comprehensive understanding of resource consumption and the circular economy in energy systems, and supports the transition to a sustainable energy supply. By encouraging holistic thinking, the project aims to empower teachers and learners alike to tackle critical challenges in the fields of climate protection, sustainability and energy technology.

Research question

• Which aspects of sustainable energy conversion are insufficiently covered in the current curricula of engineering degree programmes and technical VET programmes?

• How can this content be prepared and delivered in a way that is appropriate for the target groups?

Approach

The project closes a relevant gap in current curricula by integrating the principles of the circular economy and sustainable resource management into the discourse on the energy transition. We are developing comprehensive, easily accessible teaching materials that go beyond the traditional focal points and give future engineers, teachers, skilled workers and decision-makers a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in developing sustainable energy systems.

By employing modern pedagogical approaches such as Challenge Based Education and Case Teaching, we prepare professionals to navigate the complex interplay between the energy transition, material consumption and circular economy principles, and to help secure a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.

Results

• In-depth analysis of learning needs relating to sustainable energy systems through a survey of more than 350 people in the participating countries.

• Development of principles for curriculum design that are appropriate in terms of both content and didactics.

• Nine modules on the sustainable energy transition are being developed, delivered and evaluated in the participating countries.

• SWOT analyses: As part of the evaluation of the pilot courses, structured SWOT analyses (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) are being carried out. These analyses provide an evidence-based foundation for revising existing curricula, developing new educational offerings and sustainably integrating innovative content into training practice and the degree programmes of the participating universities – and, where appropriate, beyond.

Dissemination and Transfer Activities

• Presentation of the project at the specialist conference ‘Den Wandel gestalten: Nachhaltigkeit in Weiterbildungseinrichtungen verankern!’ (Shaping change: embedding sustainability in continuing education institutions!) on 27 March 2025.

• Presentation at the specialist conference ‘Europäisch Lernen! Mit Mut in die Zukunft’ (Learning the European way! Boldly into the future) on 2 September 2025 at the Haus der Bürgerschaft, in the ‘Raum der Inspirationen’ (Space of Inspirations).

• Publication on the Erasmus+ Project Results Platform

• Presentations at international scientific conferences (e.g. ECER)

• Production of multilingual information materials and policy briefs

• Involvement of sectoral stakeholders, including from VET institutions, industry associations and higher education institutions

Information stands

• Landesinstitut für Schule · Am Weidedamm 20 · 28215 Bremen, specialist conference no. 25-63001, entitled ‘Europäisch lernen – Mit Mut in die Zukunft’ (Learning the European way – Boldly into the future), on 2 September 2025

• Specialist conference ‘Den Wandel gestalten: Nachhaltigkeit in Weiterbildungseinrichtungen verankern’ (Shaping change: embedding sustainability in continuing education institutions) on 27 March 2025 at Martinsclub Bremen