Developing Skilled Workers from Within: The Example of GMVA

Waste to energy demands both high-level expertise and extensive practical experience from its workforce. To address this challenge, the Innovation Network (IN GMVA) was established, an interdisciplinary initiative designed to support talented employees in independently executing projects.

by Kim Philipp Hölzer, Joel Zganiatz and Timo Kraus

GMVA Niederrhein is one of the largest waste to energy plants in Germany, contributing significantly to energy production by processing approximately 700,000 tons of waste annually. The waste is incinerated in four separate boiler lines. The flue gases are treated in separate 5-stage purification processes in an environmentally friendly way.

Given the increasing shortage of skilled labor and the growing regulatory and technical requirements, it is crucial for the company to implement sustainable strategies for retaining and developing qualified worforce.

Waste to energy demands both high-level expertise and extensive practical experience from its workforce. To address this challenge, the Innovation Network (IN GMVA) was established, an interdisciplinary initiative designed to support talented employees in independently executing projects. Experienced coaches guide participants to prepare them for future challenges and to deepen their cross-disciplinary knowledge. The Innovation Network provides a platform to safeguard the company’s specific expertise and pass it on to younger generations over the long term.

Through targeted training as well as by building their own professional networks, participants are well-prepared to take on more complex tasks. The cross-departmental collaboration and contact with external companies and start-ups enhance the company‘s innovation capacity and contribute to optimizing internal processes. Furthermore, the projects within the Innovation Network are highly practical, enabling participants to successfully navigate the challenges of day-to-day project management and thereby make significant contributions to the company’s efficiency and modernization efforts.

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published: Abfallwirtschaft und Energie, Band 2, 1|2025
Keywords: Energy Recovery, Sustainability, Climate, Awareness - Training, Germany