Global Energy & Climate Policy

COURSE BACKGROUND

The Global Energy and Climate Policy course offers an introduction to the theoretical and practical understanding of how energy and climate change policies are designed, shaped, advocated and implemented. As energy markets go truly global, domestic energy policies are becoming more and more entangled with wider issues of international governance. Concurrently, the urgent need to mitigate and adapt to climate change and transition to a low-carbon future is adding a further layer of complexity.

The course is aimed broadly at people interested in learning more about interconnected issues in energy and climate policy globally. It assumes a level of interest but no necessary previous knowledge. However, the course also offers sufficient up to date research and new critical perspectives to be of interest to people with expertise in or academic familiarity with the topic as well.

The main aim of the course is to provide this wide-ranging introduction in a self-contained, but in-depth form, alongside the important practical skills necessary to understand and discuss energy and climate policy, and lay the groundwork for greater engagement in the future – either through academic study, in the public, private or not-for-profit sectors.

The participants will benefit from a deeper understanding of global energy trends; knowing why carbon release into the environment is causing an “intergenerational inequity” on future generations; understanding ways to decarbonize economies; being able to assess, develop, and finance renewable energy projects on technical, economic environment bases; creating an conducive environment to scaling up renewable energy; and being able to make informed decisions by leveraging data from the world’s best information sources.

COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING

By the end of this training course, the participants will be able to:

1. Draw a line between the generation and use of conventional energy and climate change impacts
2. Better understand the roles of Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Reducing Emissions from Deforestation (REDD), and Carbon Capture and sequestration in decarbonizing economies
3. Conduct basic renewable energy project assessment and development
4. Understand how renewable energy policies, regulations, and procurement paradigms can enable low-carbon energy strategies
5. Analyze which financing approach may best meet their set of goals on a situational basis
6. Access the world’s best set of data to expand the knowledge of climate change and energy

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Participants will gain:

• A comprehensive understanding of global climate and energy policy frameworks.
• Knowledge of energy transition models and renewable energy strategies.
• Insights into carbon pricing, emissions trading systems, and green finance.
• Analytical skills for evaluating policy effectiveness and promoting climate justice.
• Tools to engage in international energy diplomacy and multilateral negotiations.

DURATION AND PROGRAM

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

This course is designed for professionals and stakeholders involved in the intersection of energy and climate policy, both in the public and private sectors. It is particularly relevant for government officials, policy advisors, energy planners, environmental managers, and representatives of regulatory authorities who are responsible for formulating or implementing national energy and climate strategies.

It is also ideal for individuals working with international organizations, NGOs, academic and research institutions, or the private sector—especially those in energy utilities, financial institutions, and consultancy firms—who seek to deepen their understanding of global climate governance, policy instruments, and the evolving dynamics of sustainable energy transitions. Participants from both developed and developing countries will benefit from the global perspective and comparative case studies featured throughout the course.

TRAINING STYLE

The modules will be taught through PowerPoint presentations, and lectures and will include a case study/field visit, breakout sessions, case studies and other interactive discussion components. The course will also include a few guest speakers, both in person and via Zoom and other online learning platforms for overseas speakers. This provides useful real world insights alongside the more theoretical aspects of the course.

The conference faculty shall consist of experienced decision makers, as well as practitioners and representatives from established educational and research institutions active around climate change, engineering and international development. Throughout the course, theoretical presentation of concepts will be moderated and more group discussions and plenary engagements will be optimized.

PowerPoint presentations will be made by facilitators and resource persons, to highlight key concepts before embarking on group work.

TRAINING MODULES

The course on Global Energy and Climate Policy is structured into key modules designed to help participants understand the complexities of global energy governance and how climate policies are shaped and implemented at various levels. Each module delves into current challenges, innovative solutions, and future directions, using international case studies, policy analysis tools, and scenario-based learning. The following modules provide a step-by-step journey from foundational concepts to advanced policy and strategy applications in the energy-climate nexus.

No	Module	Details
	Introduction to Global Energy Systems and Climate Policy Frameworks	This module sets the foundation for understanding how global energy systems operate and interact with climate change policy at international and national levels. Topics: Overview of global energy production and consumption trends Key greenhouse gases and their sources in the energy sector International climate policy milestones (UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement) Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and global climate goals Role of international organizations in shaping energy and climate agendas
	Climate Change Science and Its Implications for Energy Policy	This module explores the scientific basis of climate change and how this evidence informs policy development, adaptation, and mitigation in the energy sector. Topics: The science of global warming and climate projections The carbon budget and energy transitions Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) insights for policymakers Understanding climate risks and resilience in energy infrastructure Science-based targets and their application in energy planning
	Renewable Energy Policy and Technological Innovations	Participants will examine how renewables are integrated into national and global policy frameworks, and the technological advances driving the energy transformation. Topics: Renewable energy sources: solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal Global policy instruments to support renewable energy (FITs, RPS, auctions) Emerging technologies and decentralization of energy systems Grid integration and storage solutions Case studies: Successful national renewable energy policies
	Energy Efficiency and Demand-Side Management Policies	This module focuses on improving energy efficiency and managing consumption through strategic policies, incentives, and public-private collaborations. Topics: Key sectors for energy efficiency (buildings, transport, industry) Demand-side management and behavior change Regulatory frameworks and incentives for efficiency Role of digital technologies in energy savings Energy efficiency in climate action plans and NDCs
	Energy Access and Equity in the Context of Climate Policy	Explore the social dimensions of energy access and how inclusive energy policies can support both development and climate objectives. Topics: Energy poverty and its implications for climate action Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy for All) Gender and energy: Inclusive policy development Financing and scaling decentralized energy access Energy justice and equity frameworks
	Carbon Pricing, Markets, and Climate Finance	Understand the economic instruments that are critical to managing emissions and incentivizing low-carbon investments in energy. Topics: Carbon pricing mechanisms: Carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems Role of carbon markets in international cooperation Climate finance mechanisms and the role of the Green Climate Fund Private sector engagement and blended finance models Evaluating economic impacts of carbon policy tools
	Governance and Political Economy of Energy Transitions	This module explores how energy transitions are shaped by politics, institutions, and vested interests at national and global scales. Topics: Energy policy-making structures and regulatory bodies Political economy of fossil fuel subsidies and reform Stakeholder engagement and managing transition resistance Just transition strategies for workers and communities Geopolitics of energy and climate change
	Strategic Planning for Low-Carbon and Climate-Resilient Futures	Conclude the course by learning how to develop integrated strategies that align energy policy with climate objectives in a rapidly changing global landscape. Topics: Long-term low-emission development strategies (LEDS) Integrated energy and climate modeling approaches Scenario planning and policy simulations Monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems Aligning energy transition plans with climate resilience strategies

9. GENERAL NOTES

• Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
• Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
• We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: info@ecasiafrica.org.
• Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to: info@ecasiafrica.org.

ABOUT ECAS INSTITUTE

The ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focusses on climate change and resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solution, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food systems, We are located in Nairobi Kenya and work across the African region. We have implemented training and research assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported our partners from the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and USA.