Passing the torch: new generation of Young Energy Ambassadors

The European Sustainable Energy Week 2025 saw record-high youth engagement, with the Young Energy Ambassadors (YEAs) playing a central role through the European Youth Energy Day programme and shaping the event’s discussions more broadly.

This year marked an important achievement for the Young Energy Ambassadors programme, as it attracted over 1 300 applications - a staggering increase from previous editions, reflecting the growing interest and commitment of Europe’s youth to the clean energy transition.

For the first time, EUSEW brought together both the 2024 and 2025 YEA cohorts on a shared agenda. This generational crossover allowed them to pass the torch and created a platform for meaningful exchange between experienced ambassadors and newcomers, offering a unique opportunity for both groups to learn from each other.

Close engagement with EU institutions 

One of the highlights of the 2025 edition was a series of policy workshops, where Young Energy Ambassadors worked directly with experts from the Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER) and other European institutions. These sessions gave ambassadors a clear look at how EU policies are made and how the Commission works, letting them share their views on topics such as the upcoming Citizens Energy Package and Energy Communities.

In addition, YEAs were invited to participate in a breakfast meeting with Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director-General of DG ENER. This informal setting offered a valuable chance to discuss policy priorities and ask questions about her role and the functioning of EU institutions, strengthening the connection between young leaders and key decision-makers.

European Youth Energy Day 

The Young Energy Ambassadors also contributed to policy discussions during EUSEW, leading youth-focused activities:

• A role-play game at the European Parliament: both YEA cohorts participated in a simulation where they performed as Members of the European Parliament to debate a legislative proposal linked to the EU Green Deal. This immersive experience provided a practical understanding of EU law-making and encouraged teamwork.
• Co-hosting the Policy Conference: the 2024 cohort organised a session titled ‘Net-zero or net-hype? Rethinking European cities’, which analysed urban sustainability projects through the lens of greenwashing. The ambassadors and participants explored how to identify and address misleading green claims, discussing real solutions to promote authentic sustainable energy transitions in cities. The session attracted policymakers, experts, and youth advocates on the clean energy transition.
• Career advice for young practitioners: during the coffee breaks at EUSEW2025, the ‘Jobs and Skills clinics’ offered event participants the chance to get practical career advice in clean energy. Experienced Young Energy Ambassadors, Digital Ambassadors, and DG ENER experts were available to answer questions, review CVs, and share insights on skills needed for the green transition. These informal exchanges created valuable networking opportunities and helped attendees explore future career paths in a relaxed setting.
• Putting European energy on the map: the DG ENER and CINEA stand offered another coffee break activity where participants were invited to interact with a large magnetic map of Europe to guess the energy mix of different regions using icons for wind, solar, nuclear and fossil fuels. Led by YEAs, the activity helped attendees better understand Europe’s diverse energy landscape and the importance of grid integration.  

Strengthening the community and its impact  

The week was an important moment for community-building and strategic planning. The workshops also served as a platform for the two YEA cohorts to collaborate, share mentoring experiences, and prepare recommendations focused on raising awareness about energy communities. Input from these sessions will inform the upcoming Citizens Energy Package , ensuring youth perspectives are integrated into policy development.

Looking ahead 

With a record number of applications to join the Young Energy Ambassadors programme and a strong youth participation, EUSEW 2025 underscored the critical role of the young leaders in Europe’s sustainable energy future. Their expertise, enthusiasm, and collaboration across generations will remain a driving force as Europe advances towards its net-zero goals.

As we bid farewell to the cohort of 2024, we would like to extend our thanks for their remarkable contribution to the YEA programme. Your passion, vision and expertise set a high standard for the years to come. The future is brighter thanks to you.

If you are also passionate about the energy transition and want to be part of this growing network, make sure to be subscribed to this newsletter and stay in the loop with news and insights from our media partners. Applications to be part of next year’s Young Energy Ambassadors cohort will open in early 2026.