The global energy landscape is undergoing a profound and rapid transformation, driven by the imperative to decarbonize, the rise of decentralized and distributed energy resources, and the digitalization of grid operations. As a result, the traditional approaches to power system planning—which relied on predictable demand growth and a centralized generation model—are no longer adequate. A new, forward-looking strategic vision is required to ensure the long-term reliability, sustainability, and resilience of the electricity grid. This course is designed to equip professionals with the methodologies and tools needed to create comprehensive, adaptable, and robust power system plans that can navigate the uncertainties of the next several decades.

This program provides a practical and strategic deep dive into the complex world of long-term power system planning. Participants will gain a fundamental understanding of everything from advanced demand forecasting and resource adequacy assessments to transmission expansion planning and the integration of new technologies like energy storage and demand response. By focusing on real-world case studies and the latest software tools, the course prepares engineers, planners, and policymakers to model future scenarios, identify risks, and make sound investment decisions that will shape the future of energy. It emphasizes actionable insights and a holistic perspective on the critical role that thoughtful, long-term planning plays in building the energy system of tomorrow.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Power System Planners
• Power Systems Engineers
• Utility Executives and Managers
• Energy Policy Analysts and Regulators
• Grid Operations and Reliability Staff
• Financial Analysts and Investors
• Project Managers in Energy
• Researchers in Power Systems
• Business Development Professionals
• Consultants in the Energy Sector

Objectives:

• Master the foundational principles and key methodologies of long-term power system planning.
• Learn to conduct a comprehensive load and demand forecast for future scenarios.
• Understand the core components and operations of different energy system models.
• Grasp the complexities of transmission expansion planning and grid topology.
• Develop proficiency in assessing resource adequacy and system reliability.
• Explore best practices in integrating high levels of variable renewable energy.
• Learn about robust approaches to valuing and integrating new grid technologies.
• Identify the critical legal, regulatory, and policy considerations in planning.
• Develop skills in communicating planning results and recommendations.
• Formulate strategies for building a resilient and sustainable power system.

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Foundations of Power System Planning

• The evolution of power system planning
• Key drivers of change: decarbonization, digitalization, decentralization
• The role of long-term planning in energy transition
• Planning horizons and key stakeholders
• An overview of a planning study lifecycle

Module 2: Load and Demand Forecasting

• Methodologies for long-term load forecasting
• The impact of electrification on future demand
• Incorporating distributed energy resources and EVs
• Modeling load profiles and demand curves
• Dealing with uncertainty in demand forecasting

Module 3: Resource Adequacy and Reliability

• Defining and measuring system reliability
• The concept of capacity adequacy and its metrics
• The contribution of variable renewables to reliability
• Reliability modeling and probabilistic assessments
• Planning for extreme weather and climate change

Module 4: Generation Expansion Planning

• The purpose of generation expansion planning
• Using capacity expansion models
• Modeling different generation technologies
• Incorporating environmental and policy constraints
• The role of flexible generation and energy storage

Module 5: Transmission System Planning

• The importance of transmission for renewables integration
• Transmission planning methodologies
• Power flow analysis and dynamic stability studies
• Siting and permitting new transmission lines
• Inter-regional and inter-continental grid planning

Module 6: Power System Modeling and Tools

• An overview of planning software (e.g., PSS/E, PSCAD, MATPOWER)
• The role of different models (economic, technical, environmental)
• Integrating multiple modeling platforms
• Best practices in model validation and testing
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style

Module 7: The Economics of Planning

• Cost-benefit analysis of planning alternatives
• Valuing reliability and flexibility
• The social cost of carbon and externalities
• Financial models for grid investments
• Cost allocation and cost recovery mechanisms

Module 8: Policy and Regulatory Integration

• The role of regulation in shaping plans
• Integrating national climate and energy policies
• The impact of market design on planning outcomes
• Public participation and stakeholder engagement
• The role of a clear and focused research question

Module 9: Energy Storage and Flexibility

• The role of storage in long-term plans
• Sizing storage for different applications
• The value proposition of demand response
• Optimizing the use of flexible resources
• The importance of a simple scorecard and a dashboard

Module 10: The Role of Digitalization

• How data analytics enhances planning
• The use of digital twins for grid modeling
• The impact of smart grid technologies on planning
• The importance of a clear and compelling KPI
• The future of data-driven planning

Module 11: Decarbonization Pathways

• Designing a pathway to a low-carbon grid
• The role of different technologies (e.g., green hydrogen)
• Modeling for carbon neutrality and net-zero targets
• Policy trade-offs and transition risks
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style

Module 12: Grid Resilience and Security

• The difference between resilience and reliability
• Planning for high-impact, low-probability events
• The role of microgrids and distributed generation
• Cybersecurity considerations in planning
• The role of a program's theory of change

Module 13: Project Finance and Investment

• Financing large-scale grid projects
• The role of public and private investment
• Risk assessment and mitigation in long-term projects
• The importance of a "risk and mitigation" plan
• The role of a "data story map"

Module 14: Case Studies in Planning

• Case study: Planning for a high-renewables grid
• Case study: A region's response to an energy crisis
• Best practices from leading utilities and countries
• Lessons learned from the field
• The politics of power system planning

Module 15: Stakeholder Management

• Identifying and engaging with stakeholders
• Communicating technical plans to the public
• Building consensus and buy-in
• Addressing environmental and social concerns
• The role of a "stakeholder analysis"

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.