From an idea to an association – we’re live. And we have big plans ahead.
13.02.2026
Science and the energy industry are seeking talent for the energy transition. To this end, the initiative Network Energy Talents (NET) is entering its next phase: from a shared vision of inspiring young people for scientific and technical subjects and attracting them as future professionals to help shape the energy transition, a non-profit association has now been established. On January 13, seven nationwide partners from industry and academia officially and notarized founded Network Energy Talents e. V. The association was entered into the register of associations on February 11.
The founding members are: Technische Universität Dresden (TUD) and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg); the transmission system operators 50Hertz and TenneT Germany; the municipal utility SachsenEnergie with its subsidiary SachsenNetze; BKW Infra Services; and DNV Energy Systems SE. As early as June 2024, the partners had signed a Letter of Intent during the Dresden Long Night of Sciences—this now marks the next milestone.
The Board of Trustees of Network Energy Talents e. V. on the association’s objectives:
“Graduates of STEM subjects—mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and engineering—will play a central role in ensuring the success of the energy transition and thereby strengthening Germany as a business location. Against this backdrop, as an association we aim to spark early interest in STEM topics among young people and act as a driving force for career orientation. The association will provide a platform for exchange, promote talent, and offer practice-oriented educational programs.”
The Executive Board of the association consists of:
- Sven Kretzschmar of SachsenEnergie as Chair
- Wibke Rauh of 50Hertz as Deputy Chair
- Annika Wurster of TenneT Germany as Treasurer
The association hopes to attract additional interested parties and members in the future who are committed to jointly promoting young engineers.
Non-profit and future-oriented
Network Energy Talents e. V. pursues exclusively non-profit purposes and is dedicated to strengthening technical professions and engineering education. The association’s activities focus on events, workshops, and informational formats for knowledge transfer as well as promoting acceptance of modern energy supply systems. In addition, collaborations with schools, internships, and career days are to be supported and initiated to foster young talent at an early stage.
Network Energy Talents e. V. aims to develop joint research projects and practice-oriented study programs to connect academia and industry, as well as to qualify and promote talent in the STEM field. Scholarships, fellowships, and summer schools are also planned. International exchange with professionals and intergenerational knowledge transfer through mentoring programs are likewise key priorities for the association.
First project: Mentoring program for students
An initial project has already been successfully launched: the NET mentoring program aims to inspire students early on for careers in the energy sector and support them at the beginning of their studies. As part of the study skills module at TUD, panel discussions are held for first-semester students in electrical engineering, mechatronics, and renewable energy programs. The next event is scheduled for January 22, 2026, offering practical insights into career paths, personal strategies for overcoming academic challenges, and inspiration for professional opportunities in the energy industry.