Water power and hydro-ocean energy technologies are emerging as essential solutions for sustainable electricity generation in the global energy transition. This training course provides participants with the expertise to harness the immense potential of hydropower, tidal energy, wave energy, ocean thermal energy conversion, and hybrid water-based systems. With growing demand for clean, reliable, and renewable energy, professionals will explore how to design, operate, and manage projects that tap into the natural forces of rivers, tides, and oceans for long-term sustainability.

The course combines technical, financial, and policy perspectives to give a holistic understanding of hydro and ocean energy solutions. Participants will gain insights into resource assessment, system integration, environmental impacts, and financing models for large-scale and decentralized projects. This course is designed to strengthen the skills of professionals working on innovative energy systems while preparing them to lead in deploying advanced water and ocean-based renewable energy technologies across multiple sectors.

Duration
10 Days

Target Audience

• Hydropower engineers and technicians
• Renewable energy developers
• Ocean and marine engineers
• Environmental and sustainability experts
• Utility and power system operators
• Policy makers and regulators
• Financial and investment analysts
• Academic researchers and trainers
• NGOs and development practitioners
• Energy consultants and advisors

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamentals of hydro and ocean energy technologies
• Explore hydropower systems and applications
• Learn about tidal, wave, and ocean thermal energy technologies
• Analyze environmental and social impacts of projects
• Gain knowledge of economic and financial models
• Study global policies and market trends
• Apply resource assessment techniques for project design
• Explore system integration with renewable energy grids
• Examine innovations and future developments in water-based energy
• Strengthen leadership and decision-making in sustainable energy

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Water and Ocean Energy

• Overview of renewable energy and water resources
• Role of hydropower and ocean energy in decarbonization
• Market potential and global outlook
• Key challenges and opportunities
• Case examples of successful projects

Module 2: Fundamentals of Hydropower Systems

• Classification of hydropower plants
• Small, medium, and large-scale hydropower
• Run-of-river vs reservoir systems
• Hydropower system components
• Advantages and limitations

Module 3: Tidal Energy Technologies

• Principles of tidal power generation
• Tidal barrage systems
• Tidal stream technologies
• Efficiency and capacity considerations
• Global project case studies

Module 4: Wave Energy Conversion Systems

• Characteristics of ocean waves
• Point absorbers and oscillating water columns
• Attenuators and overtopping devices
• Energy capture and conversion efficiency
• Current market deployment

Module 5: Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)

• Principles of thermal energy extraction
• Closed cycle OTEC systems
• Open cycle and hybrid approaches
• System design and operation
• Project opportunities in tropical regions

Module 6: Hybrid Water-Ocean Energy Systems

• Integration of hydropower with solar and wind
• Hybrid tidal-wind systems
• Multi-resource microgrids
• Storage integration in hybrid systems
• Benefits and challenges of hybridization

Module 7: Resource Assessment and Feasibility Studies

• Hydrological resource evaluation
• Oceanographic data collection
• Modeling and simulation tools
• Site selection criteria
• Environmental and economic feasibility

Module 8: Design and Engineering of Systems

• Structural and mechanical design principles
• Electrical system integration
• Civil works and infrastructure needs
• Safety and reliability considerations
• Innovative design tools and software

Module 9: Economic and Financial Evaluation

• Cost structures of hydro and ocean energy systems
• Revenue models and pricing mechanisms
• Investment risks and mitigation strategies
• Funding sources and financing models
• Case studies of bankable projects

Module 10: Policy and Regulatory Frameworks

• Global hydro and ocean energy policies
• Incentives and subsidies
• Regulatory challenges and solutions
• Role of governments and international bodies
• Best practice policy examples

Module 11: Environmental and Social Impacts

• Ecological impacts of hydropower dams
• Marine biodiversity concerns with ocean energy
• Community displacement and resettlement
• Mitigation strategies and sustainable practices
• Environmental assessment frameworks

Module 12: Grid Integration of Hydro-Ocean Energy

• Transmission and distribution challenges
• Grid balancing and reliability improvement
• Curtailment reduction strategies
• Storage solutions for integration
• Smart grid applications

Module 13: Operation and Maintenance of Systems

• Maintenance strategies for hydropower plants
• Monitoring ocean energy devices
• Safety and operational standards
• Workforce training and capacity building
• Asset management best practices

Module 14: Innovations and Future Trends

• Floating hydropower plants
• Advanced wave and tidal devices
• Digitalization and AI in system monitoring
• Emerging hybrid concepts
• Long-term prospects for global adoption

Module 15: Case Studies of Global Projects

• Large-scale hydropower projects
• Pioneering tidal and wave energy systems
• OTEC demonstration projects
• Hybrid renewable-water systems
• Lessons learned from global leaders

Module 16: Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Building strategies for hydro-ocean energy deployment
• Stakeholder engagement and partnerships
• Advocacy and awareness programs
• Financing and investment planning
• Vision for the future of water-based energy

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.