The production and use of energy account for more than 75% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions. Decarbonising the EU’s energy system is therefore critical to speed up the clean energy transition and achieve the energy and climate targets.
‘People saving energy’ videos
These videos present individual portraits of people working on energy efficiency and energy savings across Europe. They talk about their ambitions and hopes, making their own contribution to reaching our common energy efficiency targets and share what inspired them to pursue this professional path.
The videos are also available on DG ENER’s YouTube channel and can be downloaded or embedded from the dedicated page in the European Commission’s Audiovisual portal, in 22 languages and in a shorter (teaser) or longer version (+/- 2 minutes).
Gerrit-Jan, a machine operator in the Netherlands, builds panels that insulate buildings' facades, improve their energy performance, and save on energy bills.
Florian works in a laboratory in Germany, testing domestic lighting and other electronic consumer products for compliance with EU ecodesign and energy label rules.
Laura works as a project manager for an energy and sustainability consultancy in France, advising companies and industries on energy efficiency, decarbonisation and sustainable development.
Paula, an energy advisor in Croatia, shows vulnerable people how to insulate their homes with small changes that make a big difference in their energy consumption and bills.
Renewable energy – a growing sector
The EU’s renewable energy sector is growing rapidly. This is positive not only for the climate (in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions) but also for reducing our dependence on imported energy and for the creation of new jobs, particularly in clean energy technologies.
Overall, around 1.3 million people were employed in the EU renewable energy sector in 2020 and this figure will increase, following the accelerated deployment of clean energy solutions. The EU’s binding renewable energy target for 2030 has been agreed to a minimum of 42.5%, up from the previous 32% target, and almost doubling the existing share of renewable energy sources in the EU. Achieving these targets and the REPowerEU plan will require the creation of over 3.5 million new jobs in the sector by 2030.
‘People with energy’ videos
The videos are available in short and slightly longer versions with subtitles in 22 official EU languages. They can be downloaded or embedded directly from the dedicated page in the European Commission's Audiovisual Service portal or watched on DG ENER's YouTube channel (in original version with EN subtitles).
This series, launched in 2022, focuses on renewable energy. In each of the 6 videos, we meet EU citizens working in renewable energy installations, in different parts of Europe. They explain what they do and highlight the benefits of renewables and share their insight about the job opportunities that the sector offers.
Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh is the mayor of Malmö, Sweden. She explains how the city became a model for renewable energy.
Meet Renè Ostermann, a power plant technician working at a hydropower station in Austria.
With Benedetta Rospigliosi, a dairy farmer who also produces biogas in Cremona, Italy.
Rayco Morán Cabrera works as a technician in Gran Canaria, Spain. With underwater vehicles, he can collect environmental data to find the best spots for installing wind turbines.
European Year of skills 2023
Through the organisation of activities and events across Europe, the European Year of Skills 2023 will help to promote skills development, thereby improving professional and life opportunities for people. This will enable the EU to become more competitive by boosting its workforce and ensuring that the green and digital transformations and the economic recovery are socially fair and just.
Related links
- People with energy (renewable energy focus): European Commission's Audiovisual Service - DG Energy YouTube playlist
- People saving energy (energy efficiency focus): European Commission's Audiovisual Service - DG Energy YouTube playlist
- European Year of skills 2023
- REPowerEU: affordable, secure and sustainable energy for Europe
- In focus: Employment in EU’s renewable energy sector (14/06/2022)