Sustainable Energy Systems

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS
COURSE BACKGROUND

The global imperative to meet present energy needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own is at the heart of “sustainable energy systems.” Understanding the journey of human energy use, the environmental toll of fossil fuels, and the vast potential of alternatives is critical for addressing climate change and ensuring long-term energy security.

ECAS Institute is committed to fostering knowledge and expertise in sustainable energy. This course introduces participants to the core concepts of sustainable energy, from historical perspectives to the intricate details of modern renewable technologies and their environmental impacts. We aim to empower individuals with a foundational understanding to contribute to a sustainable energy future.

This training is designed to guide learners through the complexities of sustainable energy. It covers the transition away from fossil fuels, the role of various energy sources, electricity generation, carbon sequestration, and advanced energy conversion technologies. By providing comprehensive insights, ECAS seeks to educate a broad audience on the principles and practices necessary for building resilient and environmentally sound energy systems.

COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING

Upon completion of this training, participants are expected to be able to:

  • Explain the history of human energy use and the challenges of continued reliance on fossil energy.
  • Understand the time scale for transition in energy use and the environmental impacts of energy use.
  • Distinguish between different energy sources based on environmental impact and assess the global capacity for non-renewable energy sources.
  • Identify the components of electricity, the link between electricity generation and carbon emissions, and methods for sequestering carbon in geologic formations.
  • Describe various sources of renewable energy, motivations for biofuels production, and different catalytic and biocatalytic routes to produce biofuels and biochemicals.
  • Explain the thermodynamic principles of heat, identify types of geothermal systems, understand Combined Heat and Power (CHP) as an alternative energy source, and recognize Phase Change Materials (PCM) and their applications.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

This course on Sustainable Energy Systems introduces you to the practice of using energy in a manner which fulfils the needs of the present without comprising the ability of future generations to fulfil their own needs. You will learn about:

  • The history of human energy use.
  • Challenges of continued reliance on fossil energy.
  • The time scale for transition in energy use.
  • Environmental impacts of energy use.
  • Different energy sources based on environmental impact.
  • Global capacity for non-renewable energy sources.
  • The components of electricity.
  • The link between electricity generation and carbon emissions.
  • Sequestering carbon in geologic formations.
  • Sources of renewable energy.
  • Motivations for biofuels production.
  • Types of catalytic and biocatalytic routes to produce biofuels and biochemicals.
  • Thermodynamic principles of heat.
  • Types of geothermal systems.
  • Combined Heat and Power (CHP) as an alternative energy source.
  • Phase Change Materials (PCM) and their applications.
DURATION AND PROGRAM

This is a structured training course, designed to provide comprehensive insights into sustainable energy systems. The program will combine theoretical explanations with practical insights, case studies, and interactive learning activities. The detailed program schedule, including specific session timings and learning activities, will be communicated upon registration.

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

This course will be of great interest to anyone interested in learning about sustainable energy systems. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Individuals with a general interest in environmental sustainability and energy.
  • Students in environmental science, engineering, and related fields.
  • Professionals seeking an introductory understanding of sustainable energy concepts.
  • Policymakers and community leaders interested in energy transitions.
TRAINING MODULES

The course consists of several comprehensive modules, covering the core aspects of sustainable energy systems from foundational concepts to advanced applications:

No Module Details
1. Sustainability and Environmental Challenges In this module, you will be introduced to the history of human energy use, challenges of continued reliance on fossil energy, the time scale for transition in energy use, environmental impacts of energy use, different energy sources based on environmental impact, and global capacity for non-renewable energy sources.

The key topics include:

  • Evolution of human energy consumption patterns.
  • Depletion rates and reserves of non-renewable energy sources (coal, oil, natural gas).
  • Environmental consequences of fossil fuel use (e.g., climate change, air pollution, resource extraction impacts).
  • Concept of sustainability in energy: meeting present needs without compromising future generations.
  • The urgency and timeline for transitioning to sustainable energy systems.
2. Energy Sources, Carriers, and Energy Uses In this module, you will be introduced to the components of electricity, link between electricity generation and carbon emissions, and the potential for carbon sequestration.

The key topics include:

  • Fundamentals of electricity: generation, transmission, and distribution.
  • The direct relationship between electricity generation methods and carbon emissions.
  • Conventional energy sources and their application in electricity generation.
  • Introduction to carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) in geologic formations.
  • The role of electricity as a critical energy carrier.
3. Renewable Energy Sources and Biofuels This module delves into the various forms of renewable energy, focusing on their origins, applications, and the specific motivations and methods for producing biofuels.

The key topics include:

  • Overview of major renewable energy sources: solar (PV, thermal), wind, hydropower, geothermal, tidal, wave.
  • Principles of operation and applications for each renewable source.
  • Drivers for biofuels production (e.g., energy security, waste management, emissions reduction).
  • Types of biofuels (e.g., bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas).
  • Catalytic and biocatalytic routes for converting biomass into fuels and biochemicals.
4. Advanced Energy Conversion and Heat Systems This module explores advanced concepts related to energy conversion, focusing on thermodynamic principles, geothermal systems, combined heat and power, and innovative thermal energy storage.

The key topics include:

  • Thermodynamic principles of heat transfer and energy conversion.
  • Types of geothermal energy systems: direct use, power generation.
  • Combined Heat and Power (CHP) / Cogeneration: principles, benefits, and applications as an alternative energy source.
  • Phase Change Materials (PCM): fundamental concepts and applications in thermal energy storage and building efficiency.
  • Future trends in heat recovery and utilization for sustainable energy.
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.

Elevate your professional development journey with Us.
Talk to Us!