An EU-funded initiative for the European energy sector
AI4GreenDeal is a new four-year, EU-funded initiative that has officially launched to address the growing gap in advanced digital and AI skills across the European energy sector. Coordinated by InnoEnergy, the project supports Europe’s green and digital transition by equipping students and professionals with the capabilities needed to work on real energy system challenges across industrial value chains, from renewable energy integration to digitalisation.
The project was officially kicked off in Grenoble, marking the start of a flagship European initiative bringing together artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and the energy transition.
A European consortium bridging education and industry
AI4GreenDeal brings together a consortium of leading European universities, business schools, research institutes, and a network of innovative start-ups and SMEs from ten EU Member States. By combining academic input with strong industry collaboration, the project aims to reduce the gap between AI and digital skills needs and existing educational and training provision in sustainable energy and digital technologies.
The consortium brings together leading educational and research institutions, including KU Leuven, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Grenoble INP-UGA, ESADE Business School, and CSIC, alongside innovative industry, SME, and skills partners such as Watt-IS, TokWise, Beholder, Ento, Astrokyon, NIIT, Kimitisik and InnoEnergy. This diverse partnership ensures that educational content is closely aligned with both technological developments and real-world industry needs.
Education and training pathways developed under AI4GreenDeal
AI4GreenDeal will deliver two complementary learning pathways. First, the consortium will design and deliver a 120-ECTS double-degree Master’s programme, combining energy systems engineering, artificial intelligence and data science, and innovation and entrepreneurship. Developed using active, challenge-based learning approaches and co-created with industry partners, the programme will prepare graduates to design, deploy and scale clean and intelligent energy solutions.
The curriculum focuses on practical applications of AI in the energy sector, including digital twins for renewable energy assets, predictive maintenance in industrial facilities, as well as data-driven optimisation of clean energy systems. Students will work on real challenges proposed by industry partners and start-ups, gaining hands-on experience through collaborative projects, internships, and their Master’s thesis.
In parallel, the project will develop 238 hours of flexible, stackable online modules. These modules can be taken independently by enrolled students and working professionals seeking certification in AI for sustainable energy, supporting targeted upskilling and lifelong learning across the sector.
Skills framework and expected outcomes
The curriculum is built on the InnoEnergy Data Science for Energy Engineers skills framework and integrates active learning and industry co-creation to ensure relevance to practical applications. By 2029, AI4GreenDeal aims to train at least 150 Master’s students and certify 300 professionals, contributing to Europe’s advanced digital skills objectives and the wider deployment of data-driven net-zero energy systems.
AI4GreenDeal is co-funded by the European Union under the DIGITAL programme, supporting Europe’s strategic priorities in advanced digital education, innovation and the green transition.