by InTrieste
The region of Friuli Venezia Giulia has announced a new educational initiative aimed at preparing students for careers in energy transition and green technology. The program, introduced today in Trieste, brings together over 1,000 students, 80 schools, and 40 companies to train specialists in the fields of digital and electrical energy systems.
The initiative is part of a broader effort led by the regional government, the University of Trieste, and the Italian Association of Electrical, Electronic, Automation, Information, and Telecommunication Engineering (AEIT). The goal is to address the growing demand for engineers capable of contributing to the energy transition, a priority both for the region and globally.
“Engineers who can design advanced electrical systems and their digital control components will be essential in achieving decarbonization goals,” said Alessia Rosolen, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s Regional Training Councilor, at the press conference. She noted that this career path is still not widely known in schools, which play a key role in guiding students toward higher education.
Since 2019, Friuli Venezia Giulia has signed more than 20 agreements with local entities to provide schools with opportunities for students to gain practical experience in industries related to energy, automation, and sustainability. The latest program is part of the Pathways for Transversal Skills and Orientation (PCTO), a national initiative aimed at enhancing students’ employability through hands-on learning.
Regional Developments in Green Energy
The region has already made strides in green energy through several projects, including the electrification of docks and terminals at the Port of Trieste. These investments have doubled the port’s energy capacity while minimizing environmental impact. Such projects align with the European Union’s decarbonization goals and highlight the role of electrification in reducing carbon emissions.
Friuli Venezia Giulia is also home to several companies involved in green innovation. The Danieli Group, a leader in the steel industry, has begun offering production plants powered by electric furnaces, while shipbuilder Fincantieri has developed propulsion systems driven by electric motors, with 85% of energy on board transmitted through electronic power converters.
Future Plans and Hydrogen Valley
The region is also involved in the development of the Hydrogen Valley project, an initiative aimed at creating a clean energy ecosystem powered by hydrogen. Friuli Venezia Giulia’s geographic location, near the Adriatic and central European markets, positions it as a potential hub for green energy development.
The new educational programs will be presented to high school students on October 10 during the Barcolana Sea Summit, an event focused on sustainability and maritime innovation. Rosolen expressed optimism that the region’s focus on training qualified professionals would contribute to its attractiveness for future investment in green technologies.
