The transforming energy sector will soon be transformed by new information technologies – experts predict a huge demand for skilled professionals. It is already known that over the next decade, Lithuania will need several thousand more workers with knowledge of this field: they will be in demand, companies will compete for them, and the popularity of energy studies will grow.
There is nothing to look forward to – Ignitis Grupa, the largest listed energy company in the Baltics, is already starting to nurture the younger generation and help students who have chosen to study energy engineering. “Ignitis Group has signed agreements with nine higher education institutions in the country to provide nearly €300,000 in support to students who choose to study electrical and energy engineering during the 2023-2024 academic year.
“The demand for engineers and technologists continues to grow year on year, with at least 2,500 additional professionals expected to be needed in Lithuania by 2030. Seeing the growing demand for specialists, we want to encourage young people to choose energy studies and ensure good conditions for studying at the higher education institution of their choice,” says Giedrė Žlibinienė, Head of the #EnergySmartSTART programme.
Almost €300 000 will go to 9 higher education institutions, which will provide scholarships to almost 100 first and second year students. This is twice as much as last year – last academic year, Ignitis Group awarded €150,000 to 50 first-year students in engineering and electrical engineering, following the launch of the large-scale #EnergySmartSTART programme. This year, the scholarships are not only for new entrants, but also for sophomores who are continuing their studies. One student will receive a monthly scholarship of €300 for 10 months.
“Lithuania’s energy transformation is gathering pace, expanding our solar and wind infrastructure, investing in innovative green solutions and building a sustainable future. It would be a shame if Lithuania could not achieve these goals because of a lack of specialists. That is why we are doing everything we can to attract young people, to get them interested in energy issues and to choose this promising path,” says G. Žlibinienė.
If production rates continue to rise, Lithuania will be one of the first countries to meet 100% of its energy needs solely from alternative energy sources.
“In the long term, we are focusing on green and flexible technologies, such as offshore wind, onshore wind hybrids, with a high priority on electricity storage, conversion and storage. Energy is no longer a network of pipes, but a fusion of innovation, information technology and the environment. Broad energy sectors are being snapped up all over the world,” says Ms Žlibinienė.
“9 higher education institutions to receive scholarship support from Ignitis Group – Vilniaus Gedimino technikos universitetui (VILNIUS TECH) 57 000 EUR, Kauno technologijų universitetas will receive 54 000 EUR Vilnius College of Technologies and Design – 42 000 EUR , Kauno kolegija – 33 000 EUR eurų. Kauno technikos kolegija – 33 000 EUR eurų, Klaipėdos valstybinė kolegija – 27 000 EUR , Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija – 24 000 EUR., Panevėžio kolegija – 15 000 EUR, Klaipėdos universitetas – 6 000 EUR
More information on the programme: #EnergySmartSTART | programme
