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

1. HIGHLIGHT
2. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
3. PROJECTS
4. EVENTS
5. PUBLICATIONS

EDITORIAL

Unlocking the Future with Renewable Energy and Efficiency

The transition to renewables and efficiency isn't just about combating climate change; it’s a pragmatic economic strategy. As the global energy demand surges, renewable energy and energy efficiency emerge as the most cost-effective and sustainable solutions to secure energy supply. Wind, solar, and bioenergy technologies have seen remarkable advancements, leading to declining costs and increased reliability. Coupled with energy efficiency measures these technologies reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuels, stabilize energy prices, and lower carbon emissions.

Global investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency are projected to remain robust as part of the energy transition. Private finance is increasingly attracted to this sector, driven by its economic viability and long-term growth potential. Investments in renewables outpaced fossil fuels globally in 2023, signalling confidence in sustainable energy. In 2025, clean energy investments—including renewables, grids, electric vehicles, and efficiency improvements—are expected to surpass $2 trillion annually, nearly double the amount allocated to fossil fuels. These investments reflect ongoing commitments to emissions reductions, energy security, and the economic benefits of sustainable technologies.

Achieving a sustainable energy supply requires capacity building and training for all stakeholders along the value chains. Empowering policy makers, project developers, engineering consultants, installation companies, finance institutions and grid operators is crucial. Investing in human capital with education and training programs simply lays the ground for economies towards energy security, local job creation, energy access, cost reduction, climate mitigation and a more prosperous future for all. 

As RENAC we will continue in 2025 to support this global development with our portfolio of green energy training offers and services to set up training facilities. 

With our best wishes for 2025!

Berthold Breid
CEO RENAC


HIGHLIGHT

Celebrating the Success of the BGFA Uganda Solar Off-Grid Skilling Project

The Beyond-the-Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA) Uganda Job Creation Program has successfully concluded its impactful training initiative, paving the way for a brighter future in Uganda’s solar off-grid sector. The program focused on developing sustainable markets for solar home systems and mini-grids, empowering over 300 participants, with a strong focus on gender inclusion by engaging 100 women.

The project achieved outstanding results, with participants and trainers alike praising the high-quality content and delivery. Financial management, project management, and work ethics training contributed significantly to the program's objectives, while specialized topics such as agribusiness with mini-grids and e-waste management captured widespread interest. Technical, hands-on training with a focus on quality assurance ensured practical insights into solar-home systems and mini-grids.

Special recognition goes to Sendea UG and Inensus GmbH for their exceptional contributions, and to Nefco - the Nordic Green Bank, for its support as fund manager and partner.

As we celebrate this milestone, the demand for further training in areas like solar business mentoring, project management, and productive use of energy remains evident—particularly for Ugandan women eager to make their mark in the solar industry. This project has set the stage for continued growth, innovation, and inclusivity in Uganda’s sustainable energy market.

Here you can read an interview with our participants.

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


PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Next RENAC Online Academy 1-month short courses start February 1

Join a growing global network of professionals committed to renewable energy and energy efficiency. With over 130 participants currently enrolled in our October intake, RENAC’s Online Academy continues to meet the demand for accessible and impactful training in sustainable energy.

Starting in February, you’ll have a new opportunity to enhance your expertise with our flexible short courses. Choose from 18 course options, each designed to fit your schedule. Courses run for four weeks and require 20–30 hours of study time, making them ideal for busy professionals. Engage with comprehensive learning materials, including theoretical content, self-tests, instructional videos, and a participative course forum. Complete your course and earn a RENAC certificate to support your professional growth.

Don’t miss your chance to take the next step in your career. Enroll here and begin your journey on 1 February 2025.

Contact:
Cintia Guerrero, Online Academy Manager, onlineacademy@renac.de


Pictures: istock


Face-to-Face Training: "Planning Ground-Mounted PV Projects" in German Language

Join our 4-day training, "Planning Ground-Mounted PV Projects," designed for aspiring PV managers and developers to master site evaluation, yield modeling, legal frameworks, and contract design. Led by industry experts, it runs from May 12–15, 2025, at the RENAC Training Centre, Berlin-Mitte. Apply by March 12, 2025, for an early bird discount!

Further details can be found here!

Contact:
Alejandra Escobar Rubalcava, Business Development, escobar@renac.de


Green Energy Summer School 2025: Registrations are open now!

For more than 10 years, RENAC has been conducting the Green Energy Summer School at its training centre in Berlin, Germany. The summer school brings together experts, learners, and innovators from different parts of the world, who would like contribute to the green energy industry. During two weeks, participants get the opportunity to attend in-person lectures, hands-on exercises, site visits and network to discuss professional topics and prospects of a sustainable future. 

The 2025 GESS programme includes two separate 1-week courses:
• Introduction to Renewable Energy Technologies
• PV project development and economics

Register now to save your spot and avail the early bird discount! 
To know more about the programme, visit our website here.


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


MBA Renewables: Distance study programme for the energy transition

With the energy targets set by governments worldwide, the renewable energy sector is expected to see a substantial job growth in the coming years. Given the need for qualified professionals, the MBA Renewables programme jointly offered by the Berliner Hochschule für Technik (BHT) and RENAC, prepares graduates pursuing careers as entrepreneurs, managers, consultants, and policy advisors to name a few in the renewable energy sector. 

In this programme, students collaborate with peers from all over the world to address and tackle complex economic, legal and political framework, and technological issues to find solutions. With flexible distance learning, combined with hands-on practical training during field trips, and the one week on-campus sessions at RENAC and BHT, we empower you to make an impact in your organization and beyond.

Applications are open for intake starting 1 October 2025! Apply now and take the first step to build a sustainable future. 

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


PROJECTS

RENAC launches ISA-funded scholarships for an advanced training for bankers

In collaboration with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), RENAC has launched a scholarship-supported programme, ISA Advanced Training for Bankers, designed to equip bankers from ISA member countries with the expertise needed to assess, structure, and finance solar projects.

This unique 4-month online training programme includes 100 hours of online study on RENAC’s Online Academy platform, in both English and French, and interactive live virtual sessions held every 2-3 weeks.

Participants engage in comprehensive financial analysis, risk assessment, regulatory navigation, and ESG integration—key skills for successful solar financing. The programme has already attracted over 150 active participants, with recent live sessions hosting an average of 50 attendees. 

RENAC’s experienced trainers guide participants with practical case studies and interactive content, ensuring real-world relevance and application in solar project financing.

Contact:
Katharina Hartmann, Project Director, hartmann@renac.de 

German Training Week on Solar PV:
Empowering Project Development Worldwide

The German Training Week - Project Development project (GTW-PD) has concluded its transformative one-year initiative, delivering 8 training weeks focused on "Project Development in the Role of a Training Service Provider (TSP) for Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and South-East Asia."

Spanning across seven in-person sessions and one online training week, this program aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to develop Photovoltaic/Renewable Energy projects in the field of embedded generation. The GTW-PD project has not only enhanced technical skills but also fostered a network of professionals ready to implement sustainable energy projects in critical regions. Therefore contributing significantly to advancing renewable energy solutions in emerging markets.

Key Achievements and Highlights:
• Diverse Market Focus: The program addressed eight crucial markets: Bangladesh, Mali, Senegal, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, Botswana, and Zambia.
• Participant Reach: Around 30 participants engaged in each training week, ensuring a broad impact across various regions.
• Localized Expertise: The initiative specifically targeted participants from local project development companies, ensuring the training directly benefited those capable of driving change within their communities.


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

Communes Vertes: Supporting Algerian Municipalities to get ready for the Energy Transition

The Green Municipalities (Communes Vertes) project in Algeria aims to reduce CO₂ emissions in Algerian municipalities through the development of renewable energies (RE) and the promotion of energy efficiency (EE). Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the project supports Algerian municipalities in their energy transition efforts, including: transitioning to efficient public lighting, converting gasoline vehicles to Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), and digitalizing municipal services.

RENAC is implementing several tasks within the project:

• Establishing an Energy Efficiency Network (EEN)
• Establishing an Energy Management Systems (EMS)
•  Developing and implementing capacity building and training on EMS for municipal energy managers 
•  Developing content for awareness raising through a web portal and conduct trainings for civil society organisations
• Organizing study tour on EE in municipalities in Germany


Contact: 
Salem Kadi, Solar Energy Expert, kadi@renac.de

Shaping Bangladesh’s Energy Workforce: Stakeholders Unite

On October 29,  key players in Bangladesh's renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) sectors gathered at Hotel Intercontinental, Dhaka, for a validation workshop. This event, organized by GIZ Bangladesh, marked a pivotal step in finalizing the study on “Skills Gaps and Local Labour Market Needs for RE/EE in Bangladesh.”

Chaired by Ms. Munira Sultana, head of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), the workshop brought together stakeholders to review the study's findings and ensure alignment with national energy strategies.

The event featured a presentation by RENAC’s Germany-based team, followed by interactive discussions and a panel session. Panelists from the Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB), the Ministry of Energy, the Bangladesh Power Management Institute (BPMI), and SREDA emphasized the critical need for the TVET sector to address the skills gap in RE and EE.

The consensus: Urgent action is needed to align workforce capabilities with market demands. The report's findings were unanimously endorsed, marking a significant milestone for Bangladesh’s sustainable energy future.

Contact:
Emilienne Tingwey, Project Director, tingwey@renac.de

ETRELA Project: Developing the Standard for Renewable Energy Training in Latin America

During the IX Energy Week in Asunción, Paraguay, RENAC had the opportunity to address Latin American and Caribbean Energy Ministers on the critical importance of establishing a regional standard for training in renewable energy and energy efficiency as part of the ETRELA project. Led by OLADE and funded by the German International Climate Initiative (IKI), ETRELA aims to strengthen education and training in renewable energy and energy efficiency across seven Latin American countries. 

The development of regional standards shall support the alignment of trainings, with industry needs, build strategic competencies crucial for advancing the energy sector, reinforce the sustainability and autonomy of training programs, and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

With the proactive engagement of ministries, universities, and industry stakeholders in the assessment phase, RENAC is laying the groundwork for a regional standard that will elevate both sustainability and the quality of clean energy training across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Here you find more information.

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


Strengthening Local Financial Institutions with RENAC’s EDGE Finance Training

Exciting developments are on the horizon as RENAC prepares to launch the online training component of GET.invest EDGE Finance in early to mid-2025. GET.invest is a European programme mobilising renewable energy investments, co-funded by the European Union, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and Austria. Through EDGE Finance, it aims to strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions (FIs) in green energy finance, starting with Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Lesotho and Mozambique. 

RENAC’s online training will empower FI staff with the knowledge and tools to develop green energy investment pipelines and improve access to local currency financing. This will be complemented by IPC’s specialized in-person coaching. 
From RENAC's perspective, the most exciting aspect of this collaboration is the potential to scale impact through an accessible online platform, complementing IPC's in-person coaching with targeted training that builds green energy financing expertise in emerging markets.


Contact:
Rachel Ledig, Project Manager, ledig@renac.de


From Theory to Practice: Exploring Energy Efficiency in Enertransia

As part of the CIPSEM TU Dresden Mid-Term Study Tour, 20 International Climate Protection Fellows delved into the sustainable and climate-friendly transformation of the fictional country "Enertransia." The highlight was an interactive role-play exercise, where participants took on roles such as president, ministers, and key stakeholders to prepare for the Enertransia Energy Summit.

Guided by RENAC experts, they collaborated to develop a roadmap for integrating energy efficiency into the country’s energy transition. Through debates, strategy sessions, and negotiations, the Fellows gained a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in leadership and policy-making to meet climate goals.

The role-play was preceded by an in-depth session on the critical role of energy efficiency in the energy transition, providing participants with a strong foundation. This dynamic activity combined creative problem-solving, teamwork, and real-world decision-making, equipping the Fellows with practical insights into driving sustainable change.

Contact:
Marta Stetsiv, Energy Efficiency Expert, stetsiv@renac.de


EVENTS

Join RENAC at the World Future Energy Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi

Meet RENAC at the World Future Energy Summit at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 14–16 January 2025. Once again RENAC will be exhibiting at the event. Come by stand 7122 at the German Pavilion and learn more about our wide range of services. 

This event brings together industry influencers, problem solvers, and cutting-edge solutions, focused on creating the blueprints for a sustainable future.

If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Rayk Albrecht, International Business Development and Sales: albrecht@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:

Are you interested? Please click here


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

Upcoming Events in Spring 2025

PUBLICATIONS

Empowering Universities in Algeria for Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Read about this special project in Algeria in this freshly published booklet.


EuObserv’ER Heat Pump + Renewables in Transport Barometers 2024 - download your copy now!

EuObserv'ER provides regular information on market developments in renewable energies and energy efficiency in the EU. Read the two latest publications here:

BAROMETER Renewable Energy in Transport
EU renewable energy use in transport grew 6.3% (2022–2023), reaching 20.9 Mtoe. The sector's renewable share surpassed 10% in 2023.

BAROMETER Heat Pumps
EU heat pump sales dropped -1.2%, affected by gas prices, inflation, and policy shifts. Still, 54.2M HPs provided 17.8 Mtoe for heating in 2023!

Download your copy to learn more about these recent developments from the project website. Available in English and French. 

Find all BAROMETERS on the project website. 


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


Training opportunities for green energies in Arabic Countries

Read our article in the Arab-German Education Guide, published by the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce, and learn more about RENAC's activities in this region:

Ensuring qualified staff for green energy market development




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