The rapid global deployment of renewable energy is a significant step towards a sustainable future, but it presents a monumental challenge for the electricity grid. Integrating intermittent and distributed sources like wind and solar at a massive scale requires a sophisticated, systems-level approach to ensure grid stability, reliability, and security. It demands a new way of thinking that moves beyond individual projects to consider the entire power system, including transmission, distribution, and advanced control technologies. This course is designed to equip professionals with the specialized knowledge to navigate this intricate challenge and engineer a grid that is ready for a high-renewables future.

This program provides a comprehensive and practical deep dive into the technical and policy dimensions of large-scale renewable energy integration. Participants will gain a fundamental understanding of power systems engineering, from modeling grid dynamics to designing advanced transmission and energy storage solutions. By focusing on real-world case studies of countries and regions that have successfully managed this transition, the course prepares engineers, planners, and policymakers to design resilient, efficient, and cost-effective power systems. It emphasizes actionable insights and a holistic perspective on the critical role that a harmonized grid plays in achieving global decarbonization goals.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Power Systems Engineers
• Grid Operators and Planners
• Energy Policy Analysts
• Utility Professionals
• Renewable Energy Developers
• Researchers in Power Systems
• Government Regulators
• Financial Analysts and Investors
• Project Managers in Energy
• Data Scientists working in Energy

Objectives:

• Understand the core principles of power systems and grid stability.
• Master the process of modeling and simulating high-renewables scenarios.
• Learn about the key technologies for grid balancing and flexibility.
• Grasp the complexities of transmission planning for a renewables-heavy grid.
• Develop proficiency in the economic and policy aspects of grid modernization.
• Explore best practices in managing grid reliability and security.
• Learn about robust approaches to integrating distributed energy resources.
• Identify the critical legal, regulatory, and technical considerations for grid reform.
• Develop skills in communicating technical data and policy recommendations.
• Formulate strategies for building a resilient and sustainable power system.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Foundations of Power Systems

• The components of a modern power system
• Principles of generation, transmission, and distribution
• Key concepts: frequency, voltage, and stability
• The challenge of balancing supply and demand
• An overview of traditional grid operations

Module 2: The Challenge of Renewable Integration

• The intermittency and variability of wind and solar
• The difference between a capacity and an energy resource
• The impact on grid stability and reliability
• The need for a systems-level approach
• Global case studies in renewable energy integration

Module 3: Grid Modeling and Analysis

• Introduction to power systems modeling software
• Simulating the impact of renewables on the grid
• Power flow analysis and dynamic studies
• Optimizing generation dispatch
• The role of probabilistic forecasting

Module 4: Grid Flexibility and Balancing Technologies

• The role of flexible generation (e.g., natural gas, hydro)
• The importance of energy storage
• Demand-side management and demand response
• The role of grid-enhancing technologies
• Market mechanisms for grid balancing

Module 5: Energy Storage Systems

• The various types of energy storage
• The role of battery storage in grid stability
• The economics of storage and its business models
• Sizing a storage system for a grid application
• The future of storage technology

Module 6: Transmission and Grid Infrastructure

• The need for new transmission lines
• The challenges of siting and permitting
• Grid planning for a renewables-heavy future
• High-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology
• The role of a "data story map"

Module 7: Smart Grid Technology

• The principles of an intelligent grid
• Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
• Grid automation and real-time control
• The role of sensors and communication networks
• Cybersecurity and data privacy

Module 8: Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)

• The rise of rooftop solar, microgrids, and EVs
• Managing distributed generation and reverse power flow
• The role of a "stakeholder analysis"
• Aggregating DERs for grid services
• The need for new regulatory models

Module 9: Power Market Design and Policy

• The importance of a clear and compelling KPI
• Market mechanisms for renewable integration
• Capacity markets and ancillary services
• The role of carbon pricing and other incentives
• Policy frameworks for grid modernization

Module 10: Economic Analysis of Integration

• The costs of grid modernization
• The value of grid services
• Cost-benefit analysis of new technologies
• The impact on consumer electricity bills
• Investing in the grid of the future

Module 11: International Grid Interconnection

• The benefits of regional grid connections
• Challenges and opportunities of cross-border trade
• Policy and regulatory hurdles
• Case studies of successful international grids
• The role of a program's theory of change

Module 12: Grid Reliability and Resiliency

• Defining grid resilience and security
• Preparing for extreme weather events and climate change
• The role of microgrids in resilience
• Blackout prevention and response
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style

Module 13: The Role of AI and Machine Learning

• AI-driven load forecasting and grid balancing
• Machine learning models for predictive maintenance
• Optimizing grid operations with AI
• The future of autonomous grid management
• Ethical considerations of AI in the grid

Module 14: Case Studies in Systems-Level Integration

• Case study: Germany's Energiewende
• Case study: The California grid and solar integration
• Best practices from leading utilities
• Lessons learned from global challenges
• The future of grid technology

Module 15: Policy and Regulatory Reform

• The need for a clear and focused framework
• The politics of grid modernization
• The role of different stakeholders
• Public participation and engagement
• The future of regulation

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.