As YES-Europe Austria, we develop arguments for a socially responsible energy transition, organise internal meetings and public events with experts from the energy industry on a regular basis. Our team includes students, young professionals, lecturers and consultants with experience in the energy sector. We consider the energy transition and climate change a major socio-political challenge and strive to enhance the knowledge exchange between science, industry, and politics. Our approach incorporates an entrepreneurial and networking mindset, based on scientific facts.
Current Projects
Annual Conference – Vienna, October 2-4, 2025
Our planned Annual Conference 2025 in Vienna will feature a three-day program that delves deeply into the current challenges and future prospects of the energy and sustainability landscape. In the centrally located capital—a major European hub—topics such as climate friendly, sustainable urban development, and European resilience will take center stage. The conference serves as a platform for strategic discussions that contribute to the further development of YES-Europe and highlights interdisciplinary approaches. With inspiring keynote speeches, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and local excursions, both local and international participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and develop sustainable solutions. For further details on our vision and the program structure, please refer to our conference concept.
After-Work & Sustainability Talk Vienna
In collaboration with our partner organizations OurPower, e7 energy innovation & engineering, and M.O.O.CON
We regularly organize after-work gatherings in Vienna where, together with our renowned project partners—such as OurPower, M.O.O.CON, and e7 energy innovation & engineering—we explore current topics related to the energy transition, climate policy, and sustainable economy. At the event on March 13, 2025, held at the OurPower Energiegenossenschaft, young experts, early career professionals, and students experienced an inspiring setting featuring engaging lectures, practical insights, and open discussion rounds. These events not only offer valuable professional impulses but also foster intensive exchange and networking in a relaxed yet professional atmosphere. Moreover, we use these after-work talks as a creative hub and test run for larger initiatives, such as our Annual Conference.
Regular Internal Strategy Meetings, International Networking, and Blog Posts
To enhance the visibility of YES-Europe both in Austria and across Europe, our teams regularly convene for strategic workshops. These meetings encourage internal exchange and the development of innovative approaches that continuously advance our organization. In these sessions, we engage in intensive discussions on how to optimize our initiatives and become even more present in public discourse—always with the aim of actively shaping a socially just and forward-looking energy transition.
In addition, we periodically publish blog posts on the YES-Europe website, addressing current topics such as energy communities, hydrogen technologies, and other relevant developments in the energy sector. These articles provide in-depth insights and serve as a discussion platform that fosters exchange with other country teams and experts throughout Europe. In this way, we maintain an ongoing dialogue about energy policy challenges and contribute to the development of innovative strategies for the energy transition.
Past Projects
Energy and Sustainability Day 2023
One of the central achievements of YES-Europe Austria was the organization of the Energy and Sustainability Day 2023 in Vienna, supported by the Wiener Bildungsakademie. As a Europe-wide network of students and young professionals passionate about renewable energy and sustainability, we hosted an event that addressed the interconnected crises in the realms of climate, energy, and social issues. The event featured engaging lectures, stimulating panel discussions, and international guests who participated both via live stream and in person at the Wiener Bildungsakademie near the city center. We are deeply grateful to all the volunteer helpers who contributed to the success of this event, and we look forward to working together towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Stay tuned to our LinkedIn channel for further updates and upcoming events.
About Our Team
Our dedicated team currently consists of approximately 12 active members who combine diverse academic backgrounds—from engineering and business administration to the social sciences—with practical experience. Under the leadership of Country Representative Jeremias Jobst, who brings his expertise as a socio-economist and urban sociologist along with extensive international experience, we work hand in hand to drive the transformation in the energy sector. He is supported by Co-Country Representative Guntram Preßmair and the expert in social sustainability and project management, Barbara Gösenbauer.
Our regular internal strategy meetings and the exchange of blog posts on our international website not only strengthen collaboration within the team but also foster networking with other country teams across Europe. In these exchanges, we address topics such as energy communities, hydrogen technologies, and other forward-thinking approaches. Through our diverse activities—from informative workshops and discussion rounds to networking events—we have built an extensive network of over 70 dedicated contacts and continue to expand our influence in the European energy sector.
During a semester abroad in Strasbourg amid the yellow vest protests, I realized that the energy transition is a social challenge. With a background in socio-economics and sociology, I focus on sustainability in housing and mobility. I am currently pursuing a doctoral degree, with my dissertation focused on sustainability in housing. I serve as a Policy Analyst in transport, housing, and economic policy, and have engaged in early conversations with direct representatives of the European Parliament and the Commission.
Guntram Preßmair
CO-Country Representative for Austria
A sustainable, efficient and future-proof energy system is what drives me. I am passionate about innovations in the energy market and as a partner at the consulting company e7 energy innovation & engineering I want to shape novel solutions and contribute to their implementation. My scientific background lies in environmental management and currently I am pursuing a doctoral degree in energy economics. Since 2020, I have been part of YES Europe Austria, giving me the chance to broaden my horizon and volunteer for ambitious projects.
Barbara Gösenbauer
CO-Country Representative & Social Sustainability Expert
As a socio-economist I am passionate about sustainable development within a societal perspective – including social justice. Based in Vienna, I am working as an expert on urban development and transformation. Against this background I experience every day how important national and international exchange is for innovative ideas to move forward.