INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON COMMUNITY ENERGY AMBASSADORS COURSE
COURSE BACKGROUND
Energy communities are increasingly recognized as vital instruments for fostering an energy system that benefits both people and the planet. As the drive towards decentralized and sustainable energy solutions gains momentum, there is a growing need to equip aspiring organizers with the knowledge and tools to establish and nurture such initiatives within their local areas. This requires a blend of theoretical understanding, practical skills, and insights into policy landscapes and inherent challenges.
ECAS Institute is proud to announce registrations for its annual Community Energy Ambassadors course. This program is specifically designed to provide a stepping stone for individuals eager to initiate their own energy communities. We aim to empower participants by covering essential theoretical aspects, including relevant policy frameworks and common challenges, alongside critical practical skills such as community engagement and movement building.
Throughout the course, participants will actively develop their own community energy projects, culminating in a final presentation. By fostering a diverse group of participants and providing comprehensive guidance, ECAS seeks to cultivate a new generation of community energy organizers who can drive the transition towards a more equitable and sustainable energy future.
COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the theoretical aspects and policy frameworks surrounding community energy projects.
- Identify and navigate the challenges faced by community energy initiatives in the current landscape.
- Acquire practical skills in community engagement and movement building for energy projects.
- Develop the foundational steps for setting up an energy community in their local area.
- Formulate and present the initial ideas for their own community energy project.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
This course will provide a stepping stone for people who’d like to start their own energy community, equipping you with the information and tools on how to get the ball rolling. You will learn:
- The theoretical underpinnings of energy communities, including relevant policy frameworks that govern their operation.
- To identify and understand the challenges that community energy projects encounter in today’s energy landscape.
- Practical skills for effective community engagement, enabling you to mobilize and involve local residents in energy initiatives.
- Strategies and techniques for movement building, helping to foster broader support and sustained action for community energy.
- To actively work on and develop your own community energy project, culminating in a presentation of your ideas.
DURATION AND PROGRAM
This is an annual structured training course, with registrations now open. The program will combine theoretical sessions, practical skill-building, and hands-on project development. Participants will work on their own community energy projects throughout the course, culminating in a final seminar for presentations. The specific duration of the course and detailed program schedule will be communicated upon registration.
TARGET PARTICIPANTS
This course is designed for anyone who is interested in setting up an energy community in their local area, and looking for information and tools on how to get the ball rolling. It is open to anyone with a basic understanding of community energy and a proficient level of English (reading and writing are required, native level is not). We particularly encourage applications from:
- Individuals interested in starting their own energy community.
- People working at non-profit organizations in the energy or related fields.
- Professionals working in the field of renewable energy.
- Individuals from under-represented groups across Europe.
TRAINING MODULES
The course content will cover both theoretical and practical aspects crucial for establishing and running community energy projects:
| No | Module | Details | |
| 1. | Introduction to Community Energy and Policy Frameworks |
This module will provide a foundational understanding of what energy communities entail, their importance, and the overarching policy and regulatory environment that supports or challenges them.
The key topics include;
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| 2. | Challenges and Opportunities in Community Energy |
This module will delve into the common hurdles and unique opportunities that community energy projects face in the current landscape, from financing to grid integration.
The key topics include:
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| 3. | Community Engagement and Movement Building |
This module will equip participants with practical skills to effectively engage local communities, build strong networks, and foster collective action for energy projects.
The key topics include;
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| 4. | Developing Your Community Energy Project |
This module will guide participants through the initial stages of conceptualizing and planning their own community energy initiatives, providing practical tools and frameworks.
The key topics include;
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5.
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Project Presentation and Future Steps |
This module culminates in participants presenting their developed project ideas and discussing potential next steps for implementation and scaling.
The key topics include;
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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.
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.