The rapid global adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is a cornerstone of the clean energy transition, but it also places significant new demands on the electrical grid. To ensure that this electrification is truly sustainable, EV charging infrastructure must be seamlessly integrated with renewable energy sources. This interoperability is not merely a technical challenge; it is an opportunity to create a more resilient, efficient, and intelligent energy ecosystem. By strategically linking EVs with clean power, we can not only minimize the carbon footprint of transportation but also leverage EV batteries as flexible grid assets, supporting the greater stability of a grid powered by intermittent solar and wind.

This program provides a comprehensive and practical deep dive into the technical and business aspects of connecting electric vehicle infrastructure with renewable energy systems. Participants will gain a fundamental understanding of everything from smart charging protocols and grid-to-vehicle (V2G) technology to the economic models that make these systems viable. The course covers the full lifecycle of integration, from planning and design to operations and maintenance. By focusing on real-world case studies and hands-on exercises, attendees will be equipped to tackle the complexities of this evolving field and contribute to the development of a unified and sustainable transportation and energy system.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Electrical Engineers
• Urban Planners
• Utility and Grid Managers
• Automotive Industry Professionals
• Renewable Energy Project Developers
• Transportation and Mobility Planners
• EV Charging Station Operators
• Policymakers and Regulators
• Data Scientists and Analysts
• Students in Engineering and Energy

Objectives:

• Master the core principles of EV infrastructure and renewable energy integration.
• Learn about the unique challenges of grid capacity and demand management.
• Understand the key technical and communication standards for interoperability.
• Grasp the complexities of smart charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.
• Develop proficiency in designing charging solutions with on-site renewables.
• Explore best practices for demand response and load shifting.
• Learn about robust approaches to the business models of EV-grid services.
• Identify the critical legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks.
• Develop skills in using data to optimize charging and energy use.
• Formulate strategies for building a cohesive and resilient energy ecosystem.

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Evolving EV & Energy Landscape

• The role of EVs in the energy transition
• Global and regional EV adoption trends
• The impact of EV charging on the grid
• The need for clean charging and renewable integration
• The concept of a unified transportation and energy system

Module 2: EV Charging Technology & Standards

• An overview of EV charging levels (Level 1, 2, DC Fast)
• The components of a charging station
• The importance of interoperability
• Key communication protocols (OCPP, ISO 15118)
• The role of a clear and focused research question

Module 3: Grid Integration Challenges & Solutions

• The issue of peak demand and grid stress
• The intermittency of solar and wind energy
• The role of battery energy storage systems (BESS)
• The importance of a "risk and mitigation" plan
• Strategic charger placement and distribution

Module 4: Smart Charging & Demand Response

• The principles of smart charging
• Using price signals and time-of-use tariffs
• The concept of demand response for EVs
• The importance of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
• Managing fleet charging for efficiency

Module 5: Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) & V2X Technology

• The difference between smart charging and V2G
• The technical requirements for V2G
• The use of V2G for grid stability and ancillary services
• The role of a "data story map"
• Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Building (V2B) applications

Module 6: Business Models for Interoperability

• The economic value of grid services from EVs
• The role of an aggregator in a V2G network
• Revenue streams for EV charging operators
• The importance of a program's theory of change
• The business case for on-site renewables at charging hubs

Module 7: Planning & Siting Charging Infrastructure

• Site assessment for solar and wind potential
• The importance of a "stakeholder analysis"
• Modeling the impact on local grid infrastructure
• The role of GIS in infrastructure planning
• The use of a simple scorecard and a dashboard

Module 8: On-Site Renewables & Microgrids

• The design of solar canopies and wind turbines for charging stations
• Sizing a battery storage system for a charging hub
• The concept of an EV-centric microgrid
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style
• Integrating microgrids with the main power grid

Module 9: Data Analytics for Optimization

• The role of a "risk and mitigation" plan
• Collecting and analyzing charging data
• Using data to optimize charging schedules
• The role of AI and ML in forecasting demand
• The importance of a "stakeholder analysis"

Module 10: Cybersecurity for EV & Grid Systems

• The unique security vulnerabilities of charging stations
• Securing communication between the EV and the charger
• Protecting the grid from cyber threats via EVs
• The importance of a clear and compelling KPI
• Best practices for securing EV infrastructure

Module 11: Case Studies in Interoperability

• Case study: A V2G pilot program in a corporate fleet
• Case study: A solar-powered public charging hub
• Case study: A large-scale utility demand response program
• Lessons learned from global projects
• The future of integrated systems

Module 12: Policy & Regulation

• The role of government incentives and subsidies
• Regulatory frameworks for V2G services
• Building codes and zoning for EV infrastructure
• The importance of a clear and focused research question
• The evolution of international standards

Module 13: Technical Interoperability

• The challenge of charger and vehicle compatibility
• The role of an open-source framework
• The importance of a "risk and mitigation" plan
• The future of plug-and-charge and seamless payments
• The role of a "data story map"

Module 14: Maintenance & Operations

• The lifecycle of charging hardware
• Best practices for remote monitoring and diagnostics
• The role of a "data story map"
• The use of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
• Predictive maintenance strategies

Module 15: The Future of Mobility & Energy

• The rise of autonomous EVs and their impact on charging
• The future of personal and public transportation
• The role of electrification beyond vehicles (e.g., ships, planes)
• The importance of a program's theory of change
• Global trends in sustainable mobility

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.