Sustainable Energy Access for Communities

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON SUSTAINABLE ENERGY ACCESS FOR COMMUNITIES

COURSE BACKGROUND

Globally, a significant portion of the population still lacks access to electricity and clean cooking fuels, hindering development and perpetuating inequalities. Addressing this challenge requires more than just technological solutions; it demands a holistic approach that integrates technology, behavioral change, economics, and robust community engagement. Inspiring and supporting entire communities to transition to renewable energy is paramount for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) and related targets.

ECAS Institute offers this two-week course to delve into the meaning of energy access and explore practical strategies for overcoming its persistent challenges. We understand that effective energy transitions are deeply rooted in local contexts and require tailored solutions that empower communities.

This program will guide participants through identifying appropriate technological solutions, examining diverse business models for off-grid and mini-grid solutions, and analyzing household energy consumption for efficiency gains. Crucially, the course emphasizes innovative techniques for promoting community engagement, providing participants with the tools to inspire and support their own communities in moving towards a sustainable, renewable energy future.

COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING

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

1. Describe the complex levels of energy access and its intrinsic relationship with meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
2. Assess and evaluate various renewable energy solutions suitable for community contexts.
3. Identify a clear path to energy transition for themselves and their communities.
4. Experiment with and apply principles of energy efficiency to achieve savings.
5. Discuss and critically analyze different business models for renewable energy solutions, particularly for off-grid and community-based systems.
6. Explore and apply effective approaches to engaging communities in the transition towards renewable energy.
7. Produce a practical plan for community engagement aimed at fostering a renewable energy future.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

In this two-week course, you’ll explore the meaning of energy access and how to overcome its challenges to provide safe and clean energy for communities around the world. You’ll identify the right technological solutions and the many sides to renewable energy, including technology, behavior change, economics, and community dynamics. The course will help you address energy efficiency and how communities can save both money and energy with the right solutions. You will learn to:

• Understand the complexities of energy access and its connection to global sustainable development.
• Evaluate a range of renewable energy and off-grid community solutions, such as solar PV, wind, hydro, biogas, and bio-electricity.
• Analyze mini-grid case studies and scrutinize household energy consumption to pinpoint areas for energy and cost savings.
• Examine different business models applicable to off-grid community energy solutions.
• Explore innovative techniques and case studies to promote community engagement in energy transitions.
• Develop a concrete plan for fostering community engagement to advance a renewable energy future.

DURATION AND PROGRAM

This is a two-week structured training course designed to explore energy access challenges and solutions for communities. The program will feature dynamic discussions, case studies, analysis of business models, and a peer review of community plans. The detailed program schedule, including specific session timings and activities over the two weeks, will be communicated upon registration.

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

This course is designed for anyone with an interest in renewable energy transitions, regardless of their current profession. It is particularly suitable for:

• Aspiring Community Activists or Leaders eager to drive change in their local areas.
• Professionals working in Renewable Energy seeking to understand community-level implementation.
• Government Professionals with roles in renewable energy policy or deployment.
• Individuals passionate about achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to energy.

TRAINING MODULES

The course is structured into three main modules over three weeks, covering different facets of sustainable energy access for communities:

No	Module	Details
1.	The Meaning of Energy Access	This module lays the groundwork by defining energy access, exploring the challenges in achieving it through renewable energy, and examining integrated approaches to energy futures. The key topics include: Challenges for renewable energy deployment in off-grid and underserved areas. Defining access to energy: tiers, indicators, and socio-economic implications. The imperative of moving to clean cooking solutions and technologies. Alternative energy futures: an integrated approach combining various energy sources. On-grid vs. off-grid solutions: A debate on their advantages, disadvantages, and applicability.
2.	Renewable Energy Solutions for Communities	This module dives into practical renewable energy options, emphasizing energy efficiency, household consumption analysis, and suitable business models for community-level solutions. The key topics include; Energy efficiency strategies: saving money and energy at the community and household levels. Exploring various renewable energy options for communities: solar PV, wind, hydro, biogas, bio-electricity. Analyzing household energy consumption patterns to identify potential savings and demand-side management opportunities. Different business models for off-grid community solutions (e.g., pay-as-you-go, community-owned models, energy service companies). In-depth mini-grid case study analysis and an interactive game to simulate challenges and solutions.
3.	Engaging the Community	This module focuses on the crucial aspect of community engagement, featuring case studies, innovative techniques, and guiding participants in planning their own community engagement activities. The key topics include: The paramount importance of community engagement in driving successful renewable energy transitions. Case studies highlighting successful and challenging community engagement initiatives in energy projects. Examples of citizen assemblies and participatory decision-making processes on energy, such as the citizen’s assembly on energy in Lebanon. Creative ways to support stakeholder decision-making processes in energy access projects. Practical workshop on planning a community engagement activity, including peer review of individual plans.

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.