Kufstein Bachelor Students Explore Applied Energy Systems at GEC Europe

GEC-DOC-kufstein01 | GEC Editorial (2026 ). FH Kufstein, students, applied energy systems, Living Lab, GEC Europe, Tyrol

Apr 27, 2026 | GEC, H2CoVE, Site Visit, Workshop, Living Lab, Energy System Reconstruction

FH Kufstein students explored applied energy systems at GEC Europe. Within the Living Lab environment, students connected academic education with practical infrastructure insights, real operational contexts and climate-neutral energy solutions. Such learning formats build future capability.

Continuing the Exchange Between Education, Research and Innovation

Following the successful Living Lab workshop held earlier this year, the Green Energy Centre Europe welcomed a new group of Bachelor’s degree students from the Energy and Sustainability Management programme at the University of Applied Sciences in Kufstein. This follow-up visit further strengthened the connection between academic learning and applied research within the framework of ongoing European energy transition initiatives.

Building on a Proven Living Lab Format

The visit followed the same agenda as the previous workshop, ensuring continuity and consistency in the learning experience. The programme combined theoretical input with practical demonstrations to give students a thorough understanding of how integrated energy systems are developed and implemented in real-world environments, as demonstrated through REINFORCE and FLEXI projects funded by the Clean Energy Transition Partnership and co-funded by the European Commission (GA N°101069750).

Hands-On Insights into Applied Energy Systems

Through guided demonstrations and interactive sessions, students explored the key components of GEC Europe’s Living Lab infrastructure in the FEN Research GmbH laboratories, HyWest and EWest, including:

Short-time energy storage: batteries and energy monitoring systems.
Long-time energy storage: Hydrogen Smart Container delivered by the EDC-Anlagentechnik GmbH.

Strengthening Skills Through Real-World Engagement

By replicating the established workshop format, the visit reinforced the importance of experiential learning in developing key competencies for reconstruction of the energy system. The Living Lab once again served as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and inspiration, supporting the next generation of energy professionals in bridging theory and practice. By linking theoretical knowledge with real-life applications, this workshop successfully aligned with key vision and mission of the H2CoVE Erasmus + Project, providing students with valuable experimental learning and strengthening the connection between academic education and innovation-driven energy research.

Context Note

This article illustrates how academic education can benefit from direct exposure to operational Living Lab environments and applied regional energy systems.