Quarterly updates on training dates, current projects, events and new publications.

1. HIGHLIGHT
2. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
3. PROJECTS
4. YOUNG INNOVATORS

HIGHLIGHT

Building a Sustainable Future: RENAC’s Train-the-Trainer Program Empowers Algerian Universities in Energy Efficiency

RENAC recently launched a transformative Train-the-Trainer (TtT) Program aimed at enhancing the academic capacities of three leading universities in Algeria—Oran, Blida, and Constantine. This initiative equips these institutions to provide ongoing professional development for master's students with architectural and engineering backgrounds, specifically in the field of energy efficiency in buildings.

A total of 19 university professors and faculty members successfully completed the 50-hour online TtT program and received certification. The comprehensive training sessions covered a range of key topics including Building Information Modelling (BIM), simulation and modelling techniques using DesignBuilder, energy audits in buildings, design principles of passive houses, quality control during construction, and didactics. This program was a collaborative effort between RENAC, the French company CETTEG, and the German Bauhaus Weiterbildungsakademie Weimar.

By integrating energy efficiency into the Master Program curricula, this initiative supports the broader goal of promoting sustainable design and construction practices in Algeria. The success of the TtT training, along with previously implemented training programs for master students, highlights the pivotal role of education in driving positive change in the field of energy efficiency.


Contact:
Marta Stetsiv, Project Director, stetsiv@renac.de


PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Sign up now for next Online Course Start October 1st: Choose your Path and earn your Certificate!

Get ready for the next RENAC Online Academy courses starting on 1 October. We've got some updates that we think you'll find really helpful.

If you're looking to brush up on your knowledge in RE project development, you can choose between PV, Wind, Solar Thermal, PV Diesel Hybrid and Biogas. Each of these courses lasts six months and has been refreshed with three new assignments! Plus, we've added a brand new case study to each course, including a dynamic financing model for project evaluation. Rest assured, the financing model is straightforward and easy to understand, even for those without a background in banking. This opportunity will undoubtedly elevate your skills as a project developer to the next level!

For those interested in diving deeper into the topic of green banking, we offer a series of green finance courses. The courses vary in length, depth and focus - from 1 to 24 months. While renewable energy experts learn to assess projects through a banker's lens, financiers can complement their expertise with specific knowledge of renewable technologies. Important for alumnus: any payment for previous courses will be deducted from current course prices if you decide to inscribe for more advanced trainings. 

Make sure you sign up before 1 October and check all course offerings here.

Contact:
Romhy Cubas, Project Director, onlineacademy@renac.de


New hands-on Course for PV Project Developers in German Language

The 4-day training course "Planning of ground-mounted PV projects" offers prospective PV managers and project developers the complete set of tools and a comprehensive practical knowledge package to successfully develop and manage utility scale PV projects in Germany from site assessment to plant acceptance.
 
Participants will gain key technological knowledge, methods for assessing yields and modelling performance as well as site evaluation, know-how on the legal framework and contract design 

This new course responds to the increasing demand for qualified PV project developers in Germany and is offered in German. It takes place from February 17-20 at the RENAC training centre in Berlin-Mitte and is led by PV project developers with long lasting practical experience. 

Further details can be found here!


Contact:
Gérald Lamusse, Head of Division, lamusse@renac.de


MBA: Upcoming Certificate Courses for Executives:

Within the distance learning study programme MBA Renewables, offered jointly by Berliner Hochschule für Technik (BHT) and RENAC, we offer two elective modules as executive courses starting both December 1 and running over 2 months:

Energy Policy and Economic Framework
Dive into the significance of energy policy, exploring different policy instruments and the importance of energy efficiency to foster the transition into a green energy industry.

Marketing Analysis and Instruments for the Green Energy Industries
Get a comprehensive understanding of marketing and the decision-making processes of potential customers in the dynamic renewable energy markets.

Registrations are open now.

Contact: 
Uta Zähringer, Director Academic Programmes, zaehringer@renac.de


PROJECTS
Empowering Solar Success: RENAC and ISA launch STAR-Centre Training Programs in Ethiopia and Somalia

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has taken significant strides in advancing solar energy education by establishing the first STAR-Centres in six countries over the past year. These centres are dedicated to delivering solar-related training, with a mission to expand into even more countries in the near future.

As part of this initiative, RENAC was commissioned by ISA to develop and conduct the first two courses at the STAR-Centres in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Mogadishu, Somalia. The primary focus of these trainings was to equip professionals with the skills necessary for the installation, commissioning, maintenance, and operation of solar systems.

Between June 10th and September 10th, 2 trainings for PV Rooftop Systems and 2 batches for Mini-Grid Systems in each country were successfully completed. In total 140 professionals passed their exams and earned an ISA Certificate of Achievement.  In total, 140 professionals passed their exams and earned an ISA Certificate of Achievement. These trainings are crucial in building a skilled workforce that will drive socio-economic development and accelerate the implementation of renewable energy solutions in Ethiopia and Somalia.


Contact:
Jens Brand, Project Director, brand@renac.de

30x30 Zero Program in Mexico celebrates first FIDER Graduates in Renewable Energy Finance

We are very proud to announce that the first of three intakes graduated from the Training Programme in Financing Distributed Renewable Energy Generation (FIDER) for Mexico, offered in cooperation with IFC – International Finance Corporation.

Graduation occurred in Aug 01 2024, as the group finished their 3-day in-person seminar in Mexico City after 16 weeks of online training. The contents included energy generation, renewable energy projects, contract, off-grid technologies, green energy business models, project finance, sustainable finance, E-mobility, decarbonization, and the recent sustainable taxonomy of Mexico.  Participants to the programme came from diverse industries: automotive, steel and financial, the latter including commercial banks and pension funds among others. The training closed with the analysis of two case studies delving in business models, strategic energy management and storage. The second intake is planned to start in Q1 of 2025.
 
The programme is part of Mexico's 30x30 Zero Program - a technical assistance program that seeks to increase financial sector financing for climate projects aligned with the country's NDC goals, led by IFC. The Global 30x30 Zero Program is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection through the International Climate Protection Initiative (IKI).


Contact:
Marcelo Montes Iannini, Project Director, iannini@renac.de

Study on skills demand and job profiles for Power-to-X in Kenya

Kenya has taken a significant step towards advancing its green energy sector with a recently completed study on Power-to-X (PtX) and green hydrogen skills development. RENAC, in collaboration with local experts (Dr. Evan Murimi and Dr. Keren Kaberere), mapped existing capacities, identified gaps, and involved key stakeholders from public, private and education sectors.

A thorough capacity needs assessment was conducted for stakeholders across the green hydrogen and green ammonia value chains. The findings informed recommendations for a human capacity building programme aligned with Kenya’s National Green Hydrogen Strategy Roadmap. The study provides valuable insights and recommendations to bridge skills gaps in this nascent sector, providing opportunities for Kenya's socioeconomic development. You can download the study here for free.

Find more information on the project website.


Contact: 
Charlene Rossler, Project Director, rossler@renac.de

Study tour inspiring the concept development for a Center of Excellence on Solar with Iraq

Commissioned by the World Bank Group (WBG) and the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), RENAC has developed and accompanied an inspiring study tour program for the University of Baghdad (UoB) in June 2024. The university will develop and establish a “Center of Excellence (CoE)” for green energy technologies in the coming years.

Objective of the study tour was to inspire the delegation for the concept development of a CoE in Baghdad and build upon the accumulated knowledge and experiences in teaching, research and community services of recognized excellence centers and universities. The center will contribute to capacity building, applied research and market development of solar PV, energy efficiency and other renewable energy sources in Iraq, which is just starting to make use of renewable resources for energy generation.
 
RENAC has developed a program combining national innovation and research centers (CENER, Pamplona; Fraunhofer ISE, Freiburg), universities (BHT and UdK Berlin, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg), quality assurance institute and the competence center on photovoltaics, PVcomB. 


Contact:
Berthold Breid, CEO, breid@renac.de

Advancing Renewable Energy Education: Partnership with Colombian Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira (UTP) for the ETRELA Project

We are excited to announce one of the key partnerships with the School of Engineering at UTP as part of the ETRELA project. Led by OLADE (Organización Latinoamericana de Energía) and funded by the German International Climate Initiative (IKI), the ETRELA project aims to strengthen education and training in renewable energy and energy efficiency across seven Latin American countries.

During a recent visit to UTP, important steps were taken toward establishing a state-of-the-art training centre dedicated to solar photovoltaics, wind energy, and energy efficiency. Besides, meetings held during the visit emphasized ETRELA's interdisciplinary approach, which seeks to embrace the energy transition by developing skilled professionals from diverse fields, including engineering, architecture, management, and law.

For more information visit our website!

Contact:
Silke Jensen, Project Director, jenssen@renac.de


PUMP-UP Upskilling HVAC Technicians on Heat Pump Technologies for Green Energy Transition

In response to the pressing need for greener heating and cooling solutions, we have launched Project Pump Up. This Heat Pump Skills partnership aims to equip workers with the skills needed for manufacturing, installing, and maintaining heat pumps. 
The project brings together universities, vocational education and training schools, consulting firms and experts from seven European countries. It aims to improve the qualifications for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians, develop new training programs, support Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers, offer flexible training options, and recognize skills gained outside of a traditional education setting.

By integrating these efforts into national and EU frameworks, we enhance energy sustainability and climate action. Join us in creating a cleaner, more sustainable future!

To know more about the project, you can visit our website.
Or subscribe for the PUMP-UP newsletter here. 

Contact:
Tarini Lamba, Project Manager, lamba@renac.de


Powering Uganda’s Future: RENAC and Partners Train Solar Professionals to Boost Off-Grid Energy Solutions

In Uganda, only 28% of the population has access to electricity. Off-grid energy solutions, such as mini-grids and solar home systems, can provide a cost-effective and reliable solution to improve and extend the electricity supply. The Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA) programme, managed by Nefco - the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation aims to address this challenge, supporting selected Ugandan companies to offer solar energy off-grid solutions. 

RENAC has successfully conducted several training seminars for the BGFA activities in Uganda. A 4-day seminar in Gulu and a 3-day seminar in Kampala focused on Solar Home System kits, energy demand assessment, repairs, installation, trouble shooting and monitoring. More than 20 participants took part and received international RENAC certificates.

In addition, virtual and face-to-face trainings on mini-grid technology where lead by the experts of Inensus GmbH. And another partner, Sendea UG, took the lead in cross cutting trainings on business models with decentralised renewable solutions and a very successful Train-the-trainer programme for women only on business development in the solar industry in Uganda!

Click here to find out more about the project!


Contact:
Rafael Juan Martí, Project Director, juan@renac.de

The German Energy Solutions Initiative: Expand your renewable energy business

Have a look at upcoming business trips, information sessions and webinars focusing on energy storage and infrastructure. The events are part of the German Energy Solutions Initiative, supported by the German Ministry of Economics and Climate Action:

Energy Business Trip Spain: Energy Storage Systems for the Integration of Renewable Energies // November 11-15, 2024 in Madrid
Project Exploration Trip Italy: Smart City Milano – Sustainable Energy Systems in Urban Areas // November 18-22, 2024 in Milano
Energy Business Trip North Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania: Expansion of Renewable Energy Infrastructure (incl. PV Power Plants, Storage Technologies and Smart Grid Control) // December 02-06, 2024
Information Session Pacific Islands: Off-Grid Solutions for the Tourism Sector // October 08 & October 09, 2024 online via Zoom
Webinar Philippines: Energy Storage Solutions & intelligent Control of Energy Grids // November 19, 2024 online via Zoom
Information Session Iraq: PV & Energy Storage for Self-Supply // November 26, 2024 online via Zoom
Information Session Kenya: Grid Integration of Renewables & Grid Infrastructure (incl. Storage Technologies) // December 10, 2024 online via Zoom


Contact:
Laura Scharlach, Head of Division, scharlach@renac.de


MBA Renewables Alumni Conference: The Future of Renewable Energy Generation – Renewables Now! But What's Next?

Nowadays, renewables are well established worldwide, and they have become established, especially in electricity generation. But what will the future of energy supply look like? This question was at the heart of the MBA Renewables Alumni Conference, held from 9 to 14 September under the motto "Renewables Now! But What's Next?". Around 30 international graduates of the MBA Renewables programme gathered to discuss the future of energy systems.

In addition to an introduction to Foresight and Design Thinking methods, the alumni visited Siemens Energy Innovation, 50Hertz, and the Berlin Futurium. But, they also took the opportunity to present their own visions on topics such as energy storage, the digitalization of the energy industry, and Power to X. These were synthesized into forward-thinking approaches to energy concepts.

This part time study programme has been jointly offered by the Berliner Hochschule für Technik (BHT) and the Renewables Academy since 2011. The program now has ten batches of graduates who are driving the energy transition worldwide. The 3rd MBA Renewables alumni conference was supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).


Contact:
Uta Zaehringer, Head of Division, zaehringer@renac.de


YOUNG INNOVATORS

A Buzzing Start to Renewable Energy: Future Specialists Visit RENAC

We recently had the pleasure of hosting a very special group at RENAC—our youngest visitors yet! The enthusiastic children from the Berlin kindergarten group 'Las Abejitas' (The Little Bees) stopped by our training centre to learn about energy.

During their visit, we explored some big questions together: What exactly is energy? Why do we need electrical energy, and where does it come from? And, of course, how does a wind turbine work? The kids were eager to learn and full of curious questions, proving that it’s never too early to start thinking about our planet’s energy future.

Who knows? With this head start, maybe one of these little bees will be buzzing around RENAC as a renewable energy expert one day—or at least be the first to remind us to turn off the lights!



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