"The energy sector remains the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Germany, highlighting the urgent need for a transition toward climate-friendly and renewable
technologies. At the same time, the energy and electrical engineering sectors face the most significant skills shortage among STEM fields. To address this challenge, the
Experience Lab of the Institute for Sector Coupling based at the University of Applied Sciences Hamm-Lippstadt was established. Its mission is to raise awareness of renewable energy, inspire young people to consider careers in the energy sector, and ultimately contribute to the success of the energy transition. The lab employs innovative teaching methods such as virtual and augmented reality as well as gamified learning formats to engage diverse learning styles and make complex processes com-prehensible. Since its launch earlier this year, more than 400 students from grades 5 to 13 have participated in interactive activities hosted both at the lab and during outreach events at schools and public venues. This indicates that these approaches successfully increase students’ interest in energy technologies and foster independent, exploratory learning. In the future, the range of applications and topics will be further expanded to reach a wider audience and strengthen public acceptance of renewable energies."