Decarbonizing the European Energy Sector: Frameworks, Examples and How Education Plays a Key Role

Traditional engineering courses at leading universities still frequently focus on specific fields such as the design and building of machines, structures, and other items, including bridges, tunnels, roads, vehicles, and buildings. Ongoing research reveals that present environmental challenges require an interdisciplinary engineering approach, accounting for system analytical aspects. In particular, the energy transition to renewable energy production requires the assessment of technical, social, environmental and economic aspects. However, know-how generated from ongoing research is not always integrated into the teaching curriculum of higher education institutions. This chapter provides an overview of past and ongoing collaborations through research projects focusing on decarbonizing the energy sector in Europe and the importance of environmental education to promote and implement sustainable energy technologies. We outline how innovative technologies and management schemes could be implemented into the curriculum of engineering classes, summer schools, and student projects. We conclude the chapter by outlining the importance of environmental education for an energy transition that embraces a climate-neutral European Continent.