Q4REN – Qualification Network for Energy Systems Powered by 100% Renewable Energy Sources

There are currently six real-world laboratories (“Reallabore”) in Austria that develop, test and showcase innovative solutions for integrated regional energy systems. By closely involving decision-makers, companies and citizens, they act as regional catalysts for the energy transition. To fully leverage their innovation potential, more companies – particularly small and medium-sized enterprises – need to be actively integrated into research and development activities. However, many lack access to specialised training opportunities, leaving essential competencies in renewable energy systems, digitalisation and cross-sector technologies underdeveloped.

This is where Q4REN comes in. Scientific partners of the Reallabore, led by the University for Continuing Education Krems, have developed a practice-oriented qualification programme designed to strengthen research, technological and innovation skills, as well as knowledge transfer between academia and industry. The programme addresses key future topics such as cellular energy systems, electrical flexibility and sector coupling, thermal networks, digitalisation and data management, social acceptance and sustainability, and transdisciplinary competencies in innovation management and systems analysis.

Before the training begins, the content is aligned with participating companies and adapted to current developments. The modules are developed by national and international experts and delivered through workshops, self-study and project-based learning.

Q4REN enables Austrian companies to build expertise in critical fields of the energy transition at an early stage, develop their own innovations and position themselves within a rapidly evolving global technology landscape. In doing so, the programme aims to counteract the growing outflow of renewable energy know-how to Asia and to strengthen long-term competence development in Europe.