The global transition to a sustainable energy future hinges on our ability to effectively integrate variable and decentralized renewable energy sources into existing power grids. This is not a simple task; it requires sophisticated technical and operational strategies to manage the intermittency of sources like solar and wind, ensure grid stability, and maintain a reliable supply of electricity. A successful energy transition depends on a new generation of power systems professionals who understand the complexities of grid modernization, from advanced forecasting and smart grid technology to energy storage and flexible grid management. This course is designed to provide these critical skills, bridging the gap between renewable energy technologies and the practical challenges of their large-scale deployment.

This program provides a comprehensive and practical deep dive into the engineering and technical solutions that enable large-scale renewable energy integration. Participants will gain a fundamental understanding of how to manage variability and unpredictability, enhance grid flexibility, and leverage cutting-edge technologies. The course covers everything from advanced forecasting and control systems to the strategic deployment of energy storage and the development of new market designs. By focusing on real-world case studies and hands-on exercises, attendees will be equipped to design and implement effective integration strategies that not only support a high-renewables grid but also contribute to a more resilient, efficient, and secure power system for the future.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Power Systems Engineers
• Grid Operators and Planners
• Renewable Energy Project Developers
• Electrical Engineers
• Utility Professionals
• Energy Policy Analysts
• Researchers in Power Systems
• Business Development Professionals
• Energy Consultants
• Graduate Students in Energy

Objectives:

• Master the foundational principles of renewable energy integration into power systems.
• Learn about the key challenges and impacts of integrating variable renewables.
• Understand the role of advanced forecasting in managing intermittency.
• Grasp the complexities of grid stability and ancillary services.
• Develop proficiency in modeling and simulating high-renewables scenarios.
• Explore best practices in deploying energy storage for grid flexibility.
• Learn about robust approaches to demand-side management.
• Identify the critical legal, regulatory, and policy considerations for integration.
• Develop skills in using software tools for power system analysis.
• Formulate strategies for a resilient and sustainable grid.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Foundations of Renewable Integration

• The evolution of the power grid
• The impact of variable renewables (solar, wind)
• The key challenges: intermittency, location, and variability
• The need for a holistic, systems-level approach
• An overview of global renewable integration efforts

Module 2: Advanced Forecasting Techniques

• The importance of accurate forecasting for grid stability
• Short-term vs. long-term forecasting
• Using meteorological data and satellite imagery
• Statistical and machine learning models for forecasting
• The role of probabilistic forecasting

Module 3: Grid Flexibility and Balancing

• The concept of grid flexibility
• Different sources of flexibility (generation, storage, demand)
• The role of flexible conventional power plants
• Ancillary services for grid stability
• The importance of a clear and focused research question

Module 4: Energy Storage Solutions

• The role of energy storage in managing variability
• Different types of storage: batteries, pumped hydro, thermal
• Sizing and placing energy storage systems
• The economics of storage and its business models
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style

Module 5: Smart Grid and Automation

• Principles of a smart grid
• Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)
• Real-time grid monitoring and control (SCADA)
• Distribution automation and smart inverters
• The role of a "risk and mitigation" plan

Module 6: Grid Stability and Reliability

• The technical challenges to grid stability
• Voltage and frequency regulation
• Grid-forming and grid-following inverters
• The role of inertia in power systems
• The importance of a simple scorecard and a dashboard

Module 7: Transmission and Grid Infrastructure

• The need for new transmission lines
• Siting and permitting challenges
• Inter-regional and cross-border transmission
• High-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology
• Transmission planning for a renewables-heavy future

Module 8: Demand-Side Management

• The principles of demand response programs
• Shifting load to match renewable generation
• The role of smart appliances and home automation
• The economics of demand response
• The importance of a "data story map"

Module 9: Power Market Design

• The impact of renewables on wholesale electricity markets
• Designing markets to incentivize flexibility
• The role of capacity markets
• The value of a "data story map"
• New business models for energy markets

Module 10: Cybersecurity and Grid Security

• Identifying cybersecurity threats to the grid
• Best practices for securing grid assets
• Protecting communication networks and data
• The role of a "stakeholder analysis"
• The future of grid security

Module 11: Hybrid Systems and Microgrids

• The concept of a microgrid
• Integrating multiple energy sources in one system
• The role of microgrids in resilience
• Designing and implementing a hybrid system
• The importance of a program's theory of change

Module 12: Economic and Regulatory Aspects

• The economics of renewable integration
• Cost-benefit analysis of new technologies
• The role of government regulations and policy
• New business models for utilities
• The importance of a clear and compelling KPI

Module 13: Power System Modeling

• An introduction to power system analysis software
• Simulating the impact of renewables on the grid
• Power flow and transient stability studies
• The role of a "data story map"
• Modeling for different planning horizons

Module 14: Case Studies in Integration

• Case study: Germany's "Energiewende"
• Case study: Grid integration in a specific market
• Lessons learned from global successes and failures
• The future of grid technology
• The politics of renewable integration

Module 15: Corporate and Business Strategy

• Corporate procurement of renewable energy
• The role of corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs)
• Investing in energy transition
• The importance of a "stakeholder analysis"
• Building a corporate sustainability strategy

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.