BACKGROUND
The provision of affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy is essential for the development of sustainable economies, as it advances and strengthens productive capacities that promote socio- economic development in an environmentally sound manner. However, all the East African Community (EAC) partner states face significant energy challenges. A huge proportion of the population within the EAC region remains without access to modern energy services and subsequently, the progress in expanding electricity access has lagged behind despite the ever-growing population in the region. Although there has been some progress in scaling up access to modern energy in the EAC region, electricity access in the area is still just about 30%.
Electricity from micro-grids can support new businesses in a village generating economic development. In fact, the EAC region has several operational small hydropower plants based on solar photovoltaic, mini-hydro, and other renewable energy technologies.
Several challenges must be overcome however, to make these projects attractive to potential investors and project developers. The challenges include security of revenue streams, long-term risks and policy certainty, regulatory transparency and complexity, as well as practical challenges relating to local organizational structures and technical skills for operation and management of micro-grids.
OBJECTIVES
Specific objective: “To conduct capacity-building activities on energy access and decentralized renewable energy solutions directed towards African young technicians, managers, and engineers, aiming at creating a specialized local workforce.“
Among others, the MGA will contribute et the following:
- Building human capacity for the development and implementation of new energy technologies.
- Strengthen the capacity of key stakeholders and decision-makers to develop and effectively implement RE programs.
- Overcome regulatory, financial, and technical barriers that are preventing the engagement of international private-public sectors.
- Strengthening and expanding national and regional networks, stimulating regional cooperation and knowledge exchange.
- Create managerial, technical, soft and entrepreneurship skills across African professionals, including project management and market design, Operation and Maintenance (O&M), and best practices in the policy and regulatory frameworks.
- Focusing on social inclusiveness, specifically integrating youth and women participation.
- Creating networking opportunities and a community of peer experts and professionals that will encourage an exchange of experiences also in the future.
CERTIFICATION
Upon successful completion, the participants will receive certificates of attendance. The official Certificate of attendance will be granted to the trainees who will have attended at least 70%of the total amount of training hours, and who will have successfully taken the final exam and participated in the final survey.
PARTICIPANT’S QUALIFICATIONS AND PREPARATION
- The course is open to about 120 participants from the African States. Priority will be given to participants with nationality belonging to countries of the East African Community.
- Participants will be technicians, students, operators, entrepreneurs, and professionals dealing with Renewable Energy Sector.
- Applicants must be able to speak and read English.
- Applicants up to 30 years old and women (of any age) will be given priority.
REGISTRATION PROCESS
Applicants should complete the Application form (uploading in it their CV and Motivation Letter in .pdf). A notification e-mail should be sent to info@microgridacademy.org.
The deadline for the completion of the Application form and notification email is 18th of April 2022 at 12.00 am CET.
Endorsement by an employer or a supervisor will be considered a plus, with the reference letter to be uploaded into the Application Form. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
CLICK HERE for more details on program and application procedure.