E-learning Course Strengthens Renewable Energy Expertise of Participants from Around the World

28 June 2015, Edinburgh, United Kingdom - An innovative e-learning course that aims to take renewable energy to developing countries across the world has just come to the end with delegates from 10 countries completing the course. Developed by the Strathclyde University, world-renowned experts in the renewable energy field, in partnership with CIFAL Scotland and UNITAR, the course is   an official contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All SE4ALL.

Participants completed the seven modules beginning with the “Role of Energy in Society” through “Elements of a Sustainable Energy Solution”, to the various renewable energy applications including wind, hydro, and the multiple faces of solar, finally completing the course with the essential “Policy and Regulatory Frameworks”. The learning materials were supplemented with active online forums, which provided current, interesting and thought-provoking discussions between participants.

Participants applied their conceptual learning in individual case studies which included the current renewable energy stance in Nepal (prior to the earthquakes), the possibility of introducing renewable energies in Malawi, a future energy plan for Tanzania and wind farms for Ethiopia. Some students decided to go further into details by suggesting an improved cook stove as a form of renewable energy in Western Kenya, one proposed to introduce solar cookers for rural areas in Sudan as a measure to reduce deforestation, while two others had specific institutes in mind such as secretariats and data centres where to implement their chosen renewable energy solutions.

All students expressed high satisfaction on the course content and would recommend the course to others.

The successful REDC Course will open for its fifth round in September 2015. 

Photo: Windmills in open field.