Southern Saxony-Anhalt relies on trainee power for energy efficiency

Apprentices inspire with innovative projects at the closing event of the IHK Energy Scouts at the cCe Kulturhaus Leuna.

Yesterday, trainees from nine regional industrial companies demonstrated how talented young people can make a real contribution to the energy transition at the closing ceremony of the “Energy Scouts” project. This year's event at the cCe Kulturhaus Leuna was hosted by InfraLeuna GmbH - itself an active project participant for the first time.

The “Energy Scouts” campaign is an initiative of the Chambers of Industry and Commerce and offers trainees the opportunity to engage intensively with the topics of energy efficiency and sustainability. From September 2024 to April 2025, the teams of trainees identified specific energy-saving opportunities in their companies (scouting) and then implemented them in projects. They included companies from a wide range of industries - from chemicals to food to technology - all of which were united by a common goal: saving energy, protecting the environment and driving innovation.

In their project, the InfraLeuna trainees investigated the potential for energy savings in natural gas preheating, a central process in the company's own steam and electricity production. By specifically analyzing a control valve and its measuring sensor, the group was able to identify a savings potential of over 63 percent when using low-pressure steam - with annual cost savings in the five-digit range. The team was supported by experienced specialists from the Energy Systems, Environmental Protection/Safety/Quality, Controlling and Engineering divisions.
Thomas Räcke, one of the project supervisors from the energy/water division at InfraLeuna, praised the dedicated work of the trainee team: "The project not only led to the identification of tangible energy saving opportunities, but also raised our trainees' awareness of sustainable management. It was an intensive time full of exciting impulses, during which our trainees impressed us with their fresh ideas and great sense of responsibility. The identified modifications are currently being implemented so that the savings will actually take effect in the near future."

Yesterday's event was officially opened by Tobias Voigt, Head of the IHK office in Weißenfels, and Dr. Christof Günther, Managing Director of InfraLeuna. The focus was on the presentations of the nine project groups, which were then professionally classified by energy consultant Ralf Silter.

Dr. Christof Günther was impressed: "It's impressive to see how our trainees tackle a topic like energy efficiency with technical expertise and fresh ideas. This is exactly the kind of project we need to strengthen young talent both professionally and personally for the challenges of the future. We are proud to be part of this initiative."

The official presentation of certificates to the new IHK Energy Scouts and a final tour of the Leuna chemical site brought an eventful day to a close, impressively demonstrating how practical training and sustainable thinking can go hand in hand.