Smart Grid Knowledge

In the Smart Grid Knowledge project (2025–2027), funded by STEK ry, the aim is to develop and implement educational content, learning materials, delivery methods, and pedagogical approaches for the new Smart Energy Systems study track within the Electrical and Automation Engineering degree programme at TAMK. The project supports the energy transition by enabling the targeted training of new professionals for a sector with a growing and accelerating demand for skilled workforce.

The primary target group of the project consists of engineering students in electrical and automation technology.

The secondary target groups include Finnish companies connected to the energy sector that develop, implement, produce, deploy, and maintain technologies and services related to the energy transition and clean shift. Also included are Finnish educational institutions providing training at various levels in the fields of energy, electrical, and automation engineering.

The project activities are divided into five work packages:

WP1: Stakeholder-engaged operational model
WP2: Educational content development
WP3: Pilot implementation
WP4: Design of practical learning tasks in the RDI environment
WP5: Project management and implementation of the communication plan

The Smart Energy Systems study track responds to the evolving competence needs of the energy sector during the ongoing energy transition. The goal of the education is to ensure that graduates have the capability to design, implement, commission, and maintain energy system solutions that promote energy efficiency and carbon neutrality goals, as well as the readiness to participate in investment projects related to the clean transition.

The study track will be available for the first time to electrical and automation engineering students starting their studies at TAMK in autumn 2025. The first course implementations within the track will begin in spring 2027, coinciding with the pilot phase of the Smart Grid Knowledge project.

Objectives of the Smart Grid Knowledge Project

To create content, materials, and learning tasks for a new type of engineering education framework that focuses on applied expertise in technologies and concrete service-based solutions required for implementing the energy transition.

To develop educational delivery methods and learning approaches that enhance students’ ability to design, implement, and maintain diverse technological solutions required for the clean transition, while also supporting the development of continuous learning skills and collaboration capabilities.

To strengthen collaboration between stakeholders in delivering and developing education that meets the competence needs of the energy sector, by involving stakeholders (companies, associations, advocacy groups, educational and research institutions) in project activities and sharing the project’s outcomes.

To promote a positive public image of the energy sector - its career opportunities and employment potential - through project communication, and to increase the attractiveness of electrical and automation engineering education as a key enabler of the clean energy transition.

In the short term, the impact of the Smart Grid Knowledge project will be regional, while in the longer term, its influence will extend to the national level. The actions and outcomes of the project enable the development of skills among emerging professionals in the energy sector, focusing on competencies that are already in demand - and will be even more critical in the future. This serves the entire Finnish business ecosystem and supports the implementation of clean transition investment projects in Finland. The growth of companies’ competence capital also strengthens Finland’s energy-related export industry.

Beyond degree education, the project’s results can be utilized from a lifelong learning perspective to support continuing and supplementary education for professionals and experts already working in the field, as well as for those seeking to enter the sector.

By broadly applying the project’s outcomes, it is possible to significantly advance regional, national, and EU-wide goals related to energy efficiency and carbon neutrality.

Muu kotimainen

Sähkötekniikan ja energiatehokkuuden edistämiskeskus STEK ry