In June-July 2022, 20 professionals took part in the 6-day training course and exam to become an energy advisor in Upper Austria. Through this training, which is offered every year by the OÖ Energiesparverband (the regional energy agency of Upper Austria), participants gain comprehensive knowledge in the fields of energy efficiency and renewable energy, with a strong focus on building physics, energy technologies, economic aspects, subsidies and more. They learn how to use the handbook for energy advisors and practice using several case studies. The training offers an opportunity of further education for professionals in the energy sector and corresponds to the Austria-wide training for energy advisors.
With the pandemic restrictions lifting after one and a half years, the HP4ALL consortium was able to meet face-to-face for the first time and discuss the achievements to date and the future work ahead.
On May 19 in Brussels (Belgium), results on the knowledge hub were presented, as well as the progress of the benchmarking tool. HP4ALL’s pilot regions (Austria, Ireland, Spain) updated on the engagement events and progress achieved to date.
Likewise, several discussions were held about the competency framework.
Finally, the partners pointed out the importance of the continuous collaboration with related initiatives, which is already ongoing with the participation in joint events, as well as, in terms of policy recommendations.
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On 1 June 2022, 178 participants attended the “Innovation Forum on Renewable Heat” in Linz/Austria. Phasing out fossil fuels in all areas of heat generation plays an important role in achieving climate neutrality. The event, which was organised by the OÖ Energiesparverband (energy agency of the region of Upper Austria) and the business network Cleantech-Cluster Energie, presented how we can successfully implement this transition.
Markus Achleitner, the Regional Minister for Economy and Energy of Upper Austria, opened the event with a key note speech. In Upper Austria, around 44 % of all heat and more than 60 % of space heating currently come from renewable energy sources and district heating. By 2040, it should be 100 %! This transition involves all sectors – private households, companies of all sizes and the public sector – and spans from space heating to process heat. It also offers great opportunities for supporting the local economy and modernising the building stock.
The event presented technological innovations and solutions for all sectors – ranging from single-family homes to industrial companies – as well as information about the current legal and funding framework in Upper Austria.
On June 2, Corporación Tecnológica de Andalucía (CTA), HP4ALL’s Spanish pilot and responsible for the replication of the project, organised a session jointly with Iberdrola entitled Heat and cold technologies in industrial applications.
As part of the conference, HP4ALL was showcased as example of how relevant the development of skills for the installation, maintenance and use of heat pumps is for the achievement of sustainable goals.
HP4All brings together leading experts across Europe to enable capacity and skills development within the Heat Pump sector and to ensure that the energy efficiency gains afforded by heat pumps are realised. HP4All, following a holistic, systemic point of view, works both with the supply side (manufacturers, SMEs, installers etc) and demand side (building owners, public sector etc.). This way, the project enhances, develops, and promotes the skills required for high quality, optimised Heat Pump installations within residential/non-residential buildings bringing Europe to the forefront of the climatisation sector.
On May 23, the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) provided a new training session for specifiers and designers at the Templemore-Thurles municipal district offices in Ireland, based on HP4ALL’s learning units.
Together with HP4ALL’s knowledge transfer activities, Benny McDonagh, Senior Project Assistant at TUS, provided information on the projects GUPP for green procurement and BUSLeague on construction skills.
Likewise, Grant Engineering was invited to provide a demonstration of their heat pump portfolio and experience as product suppliers to the county council’s housing units.
On May 17, the Upper Austria region, one of HP4ALL’s pilots, held a training session addressing the renewable process heat for industry.
Attended by facility managers, environmental experts, energy auditors, planners, and suppliers of products and services for industry, the training presented application areas for heat pump and biomass technologies and how they can support production processes. It focussed on the efficient use of heat sources and sinks, environmentally friendly refrigerants for heat pumps, aspects of procurement and storage of biomass fuels, funding opportunities and best-practice examples. The training was organised by the regional energy agency of Upper Austria (OÖ Energiesparverband).
On May 16, HP4ALL held its first training session with specifiers from the Irish county councils at the Clare County council chamber.
The event was attended by the clerk of works, executive engineers, procurement officers and other staff interested in the event.
You can check the full presentation here.
On May 4, the European Heat Pump Association, leader of the heat pump skills competency and excellence framework within HP4ALL organised an online workshop to address skills development and demands.
During two hours, speakers were able to present and discuss about the range of knowledge, skills and expertise required to ensure that the relevant heat pump technologies are installed to the highest quality as to make the maximum contribution towards the energy transition.
You can check all the video and presentations here.