The EU climate targets for 2030 and Finland’s ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 require us to pursue a bold green transition and move away from fossil energy sources. This means that increased investments in renewable energy, heat production not based on combustion, electrification of energy systems, and system integration will be needed. Furthermore, the adoption of hydrogen economy and electrofuels plays a key role in future solutions.
FITech offers diverse education on themes of sustainability and energy transition through several projects. Our course selection covers a wide range of topics, such as energy markets and business models, energy technology, applications and technologies for energy storage, chemical, process and environmental engineering, sustainable development, hydrogen economy, wind power, and industrial engineering and management.
FITech Energy Storage
FITech Energy Storage project offers opportunities for individuals working in the field and those studying it to complement and update their skills with the latest courses in energy technology and business. The courses are provided by seven FITech universities, and both adult learners and degree students can apply for the courses through FITech.
- Funding: Ministry of Education and Culture
- Duration: 2019–2027
- More information: FITech Energy Storage project page
FITech Green Transition II
The FITech Green Transition II project focuses on further developing competence in the green transition. Four FITech universities are involved in the project. The aim of the project is to complement and strengthen the FITech network’s continuous learning offerings, as well as courses related to renewable energy and digitalisation in fields that are critical to Finland’s competitiveness. Course topics include wood materials and construction, water management, and project management, and they are offered to both adult learners and degree students.
- Funding: Service Centre for Continuous Learning and Employment (SECLE)
- Duration: 2025–2026
- More information: FITech’s green transition study offering page
Developing university education to meet the needs of the energy sector (SEOYK)
The aim of the SEOYK project is to assess current university education in the electrical and energy engineering and whether it meets the needs of the companies of the sector and the challenges of energy transition. The assessment will be conducted by examining key development areas in degree programs and continuous learning offerings. The project will serve as a preliminary study for a larger development project aimed at developing education in the electrical and energy engineering. The University of Oulu coordinates the project and produces the final report. Other FITech universities involved in the joint project are committed to contributing to the review by supporting the information gathering process.
- Funding: The Association for Electrical Technology and Energy Efficiency (STEK)
- Duration: 2026
- More information: SEOYK project page
Thematic steering group
The thematic steering group of sustainability and energy transition develops collaboration within the network related to these topics.
Members of the thematic steering group:
- Mika Järvinen (Aalto University)
- Anna Lähde (University of Eastern Finland)
- Jouni Havukainen (LUT University)
- Eva Pongracz (University of Oulu)
- Kalle Ruuth (Tampere University)
- Kati Miettunen (University of Turku)
- Teemu Ovaska (University of Vaasa)
- Henrik Saxén (Åbo Akademi University)
- Annukka Saari (Technology Industries of Finland)
The convenor and content preparer of the meetings is Elina Hirvonen (FITech team).
Information about the executive groups of the FITech Energy Storage and FITech Hydrogen projects can be found on the project pages (links above).
