GY-Energy – (Generation Youth Energy)
Young people at the heart of the energy transition
The GY – Energy (Generation Youth Energy) is a network that grew out of the undergraduate course "Energy and Natural Resource Economics" at the Department of Economics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). The course is taught and the network is coordinated by Associate Professor Stella Tsani. The GY-Energy began in the lecture hall and today connects students and young people with the public dialogue on energy, climate and natural resources at national, regional, European and global level.
European recognition
In 2025, Stella Tsani received the European Sustainable Energy Award (EUSEW) Award 2025) in the category "Woman in Energy ?» from the European Commission, as part of European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW). Among other achievements, the award recognises her work with the GY-Energy network on the education and engagement of young people in the energy transition (see the European Commission announcement and the relevant video).
Why GY–Energy ?;
Energy transition and sustainable development cannot succeed without young people. They need targeted education, new job opportunities and real participation in decision-making. For a resilient future, the transition must go hand in hand with:
- substantial enrichment of educational programmes,
- a just and inclusive transition in the labour market and decision-making.
This matters especially for sectors directly or indirectly linked to energy, such as high-tech industries, construction, transport and maintenance services. Changes in these sectors will affect many generations: X, Y, Z, Alpha and those still to come!
What we do
GY-Energy brings together students, academics, businesses, policymakers and other stakeholders, through collaborative activities that aim to deliver:
- Evidence-based learning: student-centred education grounded in evidence and real-world developments.
- Interactive teaching: hands-on workshops and sessions with academics and practitioners, with a focus on learning outcomes.
- A voice in public dialogue: youth participation in the debate on energy transition, climate action, sustainability and natural resource management.
- Networks without borders: student-centred networks that cut across disciplines, institutions and countries.
- Connecting with the world: linking students in Greece with international networks and initiatives on the energy transition, such as the European Youth Energy Network and EUSEW.
- Science communication: sharing scientific knowledge on energy, led by young people themselves.
- Careers in energy: information on developments, opportunities and employment prospects in the energy sector.
Join us!
GY-Energy is open to everyone interested in the energy transition and sustainability. It is for anyone who wants to get involved in science communication, energy education and training, and public dialogue, and to create and share knowledge with others.
Register your interest via the sign-up form
