COURSE BACKGROUND
The transition to renewable energy is central to global efforts to combat climate change, enhance energy security, and foster sustainable development. However, the implementation of renewable energy projects—ranging from solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal—requires not only technological innovation and environmental integration but also sophisticated financial planning and risk mitigation strategies. A major challenge faced by many countries and stakeholders lies in mobilizing adequate and appropriate financing mechanisms that can attract investors, ensure bankability, and deliver long-term project success.
Recognizing this gap, the ECAS Institute (Environmental Capacities and Sustainability) has developed the course “Renewable Energy, Project Financing & Financial Modelling” to equip professionals with the technical and financial skills necessary to successfully develop, evaluate, and implement renewable energy projects in today’s complex financial environment.
The course blends core principles of renewable energy systems, financial structuring, and financial modelling with practical tools for assessing project viability, negotiating financing terms, and developing bankable project proposals. Participants will gain in-depth insights into how to engage with public and private investors, understand the legal and regulatory frameworks affecting energy finance, and utilize financial models to assess key project metrics such as Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Net Present Value (NPV), and Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR).
Furthermore, the course highlights the integration of climate finance instruments, such as green bonds, blended finance, and concessional lending—essential to unlocking capital for clean energy in emerging and developing markets. By the end of the training, participants will be empowered to align their renewable energy initiatives with sustainability goals and investor expectations, making them catalysts for green growth and low-carbon transitions.
This course is particularly suited for energy planners, project developers, financial analysts, government officials, investors, and sustainability professionals aiming to strengthen their role in advancing renewable energy development through effective financial planning and strategic execution.
COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING
This course is designed to achieve the following key objectives:
- To provide participants with a deep understanding of various renewable energy technologies and their role in sustainable energy transitions.
- To equip participants with knowledge on different models of project financing applicable to renewable energy.
- To develop participants’ capacity to create, interpret, and utilize financial models for renewable energy projects.
- To enhance decision-making skills related to risk analysis, project viability, and financial structuring.
- To enable participants to align renewable energy projects with climate finance and sustainability frameworks.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Participants will acquire a blend of technical, financial, and strategic skills to:
- Understand different renewable energy systems and their economics.
- Explore project financing mechanisms, including debt, equity, grants, and blended finance.
- Develop and analyze financial models (Excel-based) to assess investment returns.
- Evaluate the bankability and risk profile of renewable energy projects.
- Learn about global best practices and case studies in financing renewable energy.
- Understand legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks impacting energy investment.
- Navigate funding opportunities through climate finance and green bonds.
- Translate feasibility studies into actionable, finance-ready business cases.
DURATION AND PROGRAM
TARGET PARTICIPANTS
Targeted Participants include professionals from both public and private sectors who are involved in or interested in renewable energy project development and financing. These may include:
- Renewable energy project developers and managers
- Energy and environment policymakers
- Financial analysts and investment professionals
- Bankers and loan officers
- Engineers and technical consultants
- Legal and regulatory officers in the energy sector
- Climate finance specialists
- Donor agency and development finance representatives
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
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Module |
Details |
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Fundamentals of Renewable Energy Systems |
This module provides a foundational understanding of renewable energy technologies, sources, and systems. Key topics include:
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Renewable Energy Project Development Cycle |
Focuses on the lifecycle of renewable energy projects from conception to commissioning. Key topics include:
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Financial Structuring of Renewable Energy Projects |
Equips participants with skills to structure bankable renewable energy projects. Key topics include:
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Introduction to Financial Modelling in Excel |
Introduces the tools and templates used in developing financial models for energy projects. Key topics include:
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Building a Financial Model for Renewable Energy Projects |
A hands-on, step-by-step guide to building a complete financial model. Key topics include:
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Project Appraisal and Risk Management |
Examines the analytical tools and frameworks for appraising project viability and managing risks. Key topics include:
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Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Renewable Energy Projects |
Explores the legal considerations critical to successful project implementation. Key topics include:
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Case Studies and Emerging Trends in Renewable Energy Financing |
Participants will apply what they’ve learned through real-world examples and discussions on future opportunities. Key topics include:
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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.