Since 2022, the project week has been an integral part of the collaboration between the educational institutions. Whilst last year’s theme was ‘cross-sector energy systems’, this year the participants focused on the guiding principle of ‘Path to Net Zero 2040’.
This year’s project week centred on the development of a company-specific energy management system in accordance with ISO 50001. The aim was to analyse actual energy consumption transparently, identify potential for optimisation, and devise concrete measures for a climate-friendly and cost-effective energy supply. In doing so, the project teams looked at, amongst other things, the planning of photovoltaic installations and storage systems, modern heating solutions, charging infrastructure, and the use of artificial intelligence to analyse and optimise energy processes. All proposed measures were assessed in terms of their technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness and their contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions.
As was the case last year, the project teams were selected by lottery and assigned to one of six companies. This year, we were able to secure Novapark Flugzeughotel Graz, Hechenblaickner, Energie Graz, Horn, Obersteirische Molkerei and Kufner as project partners.
The project week began with a joint kick-off event at FH JOANNEUM in Kapfenberg. Specialist presentations on ISO 50001, the Electricity Industry Act (ElWG), as well as presentation techniques and communication strategies, provided the participants with the technical foundations. The teams then worked directly with their corporate partners, analysing existing energy and load profiles on site and developing innovative energy concepts for real-world applications within two weeks. Another highlight was the joint visit to the Intersolar Europe trade fair in Munich, where participants were able to learn about the latest technologies and trends in the international energy sector.
At the end of the project week, the results were presented at HTL BULME and assessed by a panel of experts comprising Uwe Trattnig (FH JOANNEUM), Jürgen Fluch (FH JOANNEUM), Lukas Schaupp (HTL BULME) and Josef Wagner (HTL BULME). The team comprising Andreas Ellmeier, Johannes Dorneger and Emilio Moretti came out on top with their energy concept for the Obersteirische Molkerei. In recognition of their achievement, the winners were presented with the “Green Energy Solutions Award” by FH JOANNEUM and HTL BULME. Second place went to the project group from Hechenblaickner. Furthermore, during the project week, the participants were able to complete the “TÜV Green Energy Practitioner” certification, thereby providing further evidence of the skills they had acquired.
The long-standing partnership between FH JOANNEUM and HTL BULME aims to inspire young people at an early stage to engage with the challenges of the energy transition and to prepare them for their future roles through practical training. Close collaboration with businesses gives rise to innovative solutions to current issues relating to the energy and climate transition, whilst also fostering valuable links between industry, schools and higher education institutions. The project week demonstrates once again how practice-oriented training makes a significant contribution to developing the skilled workforce needed to achieve the energy and climate targets of the coming decades.
