prokon | Prokon Youth Weekend 2025 in Essen

Formerly the centre of German hard coal mining and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen provided an impressive backdrop for this year's youth weekend hosted by Prokon eG from 13 to 15 June. Young people aged between 16 and 25 were invited – whether members, working students, or simply those interested in energy and future-related issues. A total of 15 participants made their way to the Ruhr region.

Under the expert guidance of historian Dr Heinz Wilhelm Hoffacker, the group explored the grounds of the former coal mine. Where "black gold" was once extracted, the participants learned about the history of the German economic miracle, the harsh working conditions in mining – and the ecological and social consequences. "The history of the Ruhr area as the heart of energy supply showed us that many of the questions we ask today were already relevant back then," said Hauke Kraft from the Executive Board Office, who accompanied the weekend.

Group photo in front of the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex

A look back – and forward

The visit made it clear: the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is not only a technical challenge, but a societal one. How can sustainable structural change be achieved? What lessons can be learned from the past – and how can we bring as many people as possible along on this journey?

These questions shaped the discussions over the weekend – and go to the heart of what Prokon, as a cooperative, stands for: creating space for dialogue, enabling change, and taking shared responsibility for the future.

Especially in our anniversary year 2025, as we look back on 30 years of wind energy, including 10 years as an energy cooperative, it becomes clear: those who know the past can shape the future more consciously.

The youth weekend was a vibrant expression of this aspiration – and at the same time an important signal: for us as a cooperative, it is of great value to take on board the perspectives of young people from such conversations and activities – as impulses, as a corrective, as inspiration for what we want to continue developing together.

Felix Meister, Sprecher des Jugendbeirats

It is worthwhile to involve as many citizens as possible and convince them that we must actively drive forward the energy transition towards clean electricity generation.

Felix Meister, Jugendbeirat Prokon eG

Would you like to join next time?

Then get in touch at dialog@prokon.net and we’ll inform you as soon as there’s news about the Youth Weekend 2026!

If you’re feeling inspired to get involved in environmental and renewable energy initiatives beyond the Youth Weekend, and you're between 15 and 25 years old, feel free to contact us at jugend@prokon-beirat.net!

Prokon Youth Weekend 2025 in Essen

Where energy history meets the future

A look back – and forward

Would you like to join next time?