Introduction

The global imperative to combat climate change places significant pressure on power utilities, traditionally major emitters of greenhouse gases, to rapidly decarbonize their operations. This transition is not merely an environmental obligation but a strategic necessity, driven by evolving regulatory landscapes, investor demands, and the increasing cost-competitiveness of renewable energy technologies. Implementing effective carbon reduction strategies requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing technological innovation, grid modernization, policy engagement, and a fundamental shift in business models. Utilities are at the forefront of this energy transition, playing a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable energy future through the integration of cleaner generation sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and developing advanced grid management systems. Without a comprehensive understanding of these Carbon Reduction Strategies in Power Utilities, professionals risk underperforming against decarbonization targets, facing financial penalties, and missing opportunities to innovate and secure a resilient energy supply, underscoring the vital need for specialized expertise in this transformative domain. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Carbon Reduction Strategies in Power Utilities.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower power utility executives, engineers, system planners, policy analysts, environmental managers, and regulatory affairs specialists with the theoretical understanding and practical insights necessary to effectively formulate, implement, and manage Carbon Reduction Strategies within Power Utilities. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the diverse pathways to decarbonization, including the scaling of renewable energy, the role of nuclear and natural gas with carbon capture, grid modernization initiatives, demand-side management, and the financial implications of the energy transition. The course will delve into topics such as renewable energy integration challenges, carbon capture and storage technologies, smart grid development for efficiency, energy storage solutions, green hydrogen, carbon market mechanisms, and climate risk management for utility assets. By mastering the principles and practical application of Carbon Reduction Strategies in Power Utilities, participants will be prepared to lead their organizations towards net-zero emissions, enhance operational efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and contribute significantly to building a cleaner, more resilient, and sustainable power system for future generations.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Power Utility Executives and Directors
• Electrical Engineers (Generation, Transmission, Distribution)
• Power System Planners and Analysts
• Environmental and Sustainability Managers (Utilities)
• Regulatory Affairs Specialists
• Asset Management Professionals (Utilities)
• Renewable Energy Development Managers
• Grid Modernization and Smart Grid Engineers
• Business Development Managers (Power Sector)
• Consultants in Energy and Climate Policy

Objectives

• Understand the global context and urgency of decarbonization for power utilities.
• Learn about the various carbon emission sources within the power sector (Scope 1, 2, 3).
• Acquire skills in evaluating different low-carbon generation technologies (renewables, nuclear, CCUS).
• Comprehend techniques for integrating high levels of renewable energy into the grid.
• Explore strategies for optimizing grid operations to reduce carbon intensity.
• Understand the role of energy storage systems in supporting decarbonization.
• Gain insights into demand-side management and energy efficiency programs.
• Develop a practical understanding of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies.
• Learn about green hydrogen as a potential decarbonization pathway.
• Master carbon pricing mechanisms and emissions trading schemes.
• Acquire skills in assessing and managing climate risks for utility assets.
• Understand the application of digitalization and smart grid solutions for carbon reduction.
• Explore policy and regulatory frameworks supporting utility decarbonization.
• Develop proficiency in developing comprehensive decarbonization roadmaps for utilities.
• Prepare to lead the transition towards a low-carbon power system effectively.

Course Content

Module 1: The Imperative for Decarbonization in Power Utilities

• Global climate change targets and their implications for the power sector.
• Understanding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions: Scope 1, 2, and 3.
• The role of power utilities in national and global decarbonization goals.
• Drivers for change: regulations, investor pressure, public demand, technology costs.
• Economic and social benefits of decarbonizing the power sector.

Module 2: Overview of Low-Carbon Generation Technologies

• Solar Photovoltaic (PV) technology: utility-scale, distributed, advancements.
• Wind power: onshore and offshore technologies, capacity factors.
• Hydropower: existing assets and potential for expansion.
• Geothermal energy: principles and applications.
• Other emerging renewable energy sources.

Module 3: Advanced Nuclear Power and its Role in Decarbonization

• Principles of nuclear fission and existing reactor technologies.
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and their potential.
• Nuclear fusion (brief overview).
• Safety, waste management, and public perception challenges.
• Economic competitiveness and long-term viability.

Module 4: Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)

• Technologies for capturing CO2 from power plants (post-combustion, pre-combustion, oxyfuel).
• Transportation and storage of captured CO2 (geological sequestration).
• Utilization pathways for captured CO2 (e.g., enhanced oil recovery, industrial uses).
• Challenges and costs of CCUS implementation.
• Policy incentives and project examples.

Module 5: Grid Modernization and Smart Grid for Decarbonization

• Components of a modern grid: smart meters, sensors, advanced controls.
• Digitalization for improved efficiency and reduced losses.
• Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS).
• Data analytics and artificial intelligence for grid optimization.
• Cybersecurity in smart grid environments.

Module 6: Energy Storage Solutions for Grid Decarbonization

• Types of energy storage: battery storage (Li-ion, flow batteries), pumped hydro, compressed air.
• Role of storage in integrating intermittent renewables.
• Grid services provided by storage (frequency regulation, peak shaving, capacity).
• Sizing and siting considerations for utility-scale storage.
• Emerging storage technologies and cost trends.

Module 7: Transmission and Distribution System Upgrades for Renewables

• Enhancing transmission capacity for remote renewable energy zones.
• Addressing congestion and stability challenges with high renewable penetration.
• Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices.
• Distributed Energy Resources (DER) integration at the distribution level.
• Active network management and smart transformers.

Module 8: Demand-Side Management (DSM) and Energy Efficiency

• Role of DSM in reducing peak demand and overall energy consumption.
• Demand response programs (e.g., critical peak pricing, direct load control).
• Energy efficiency programs for residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
• Behavioral change strategies for energy conservation.
• Collaboration with customers for decarbonization.

Module 9: Green Hydrogen in the Power Sector

• Production methods of hydrogen (electrolysis, steam methane reforming).
• Focus on green hydrogen (produced from renewables).
• Applications in power generation: hydrogen turbines, fuel cells.
• Role of hydrogen for long-duration energy storage and seasonal balancing.
• Infrastructure requirements for hydrogen production, transport, and storage.

Module 10: Carbon Accounting, Reporting, and Verification

• Methodologies for calculating GHG emissions from power generation.
• Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions accounting for utilities.
• International reporting frameworks (e.g., GHG Protocol, TCFD).
• Verification and assurance of reported emissions data.
• Setting science-based targets (SBTi) for decarbonization.

Module 11: Carbon Markets and Pricing Mechanisms

• Overview of carbon pricing: carbon taxes and emissions trading systems (ETS).
• Functioning of cap-and-trade systems.
• Carbon offsets and carbon credits.
• Impact of carbon pricing on utility economics and investment decisions.
• Global and regional carbon market trends.

Module 12: Policy and Regulatory Frameworks for Decarbonization

• Government mandates and renewable portfolio standards (RPS).
• Clean energy policies and incentives.
• Role of independent regulatory commissions.
• Cross-border electricity trade and regional decarbonization initiatives.
• International agreements and their impact on utilities.

Module 13: Climate Risk Management and Adaptation for Utilities

• Physical climate risks to utility infrastructure (e.g., extreme weather, sea-level rise).
• Transition risks related to policy, technology, and market shifts.
• Developing climate resilience strategies for assets.
• Integrating climate risk into capital planning and investment decisions.
• Financial disclosure requirements related to climate risk.

Module 14: Decarbonization Roadmap Development and Strategy

• Steps in developing a utility decarbonization roadmap.
• Scenario planning and long-term energy outlooks.
• Portfolio optimization for lowest-cost decarbonization.
• Stakeholder engagement and communication strategies.
• Case studies of leading utilities' decarbonization journeys.

Module 15: Innovation, Research & Development, and Future Outlook

• Emerging technologies for deep decarbonization (e.g., advanced geothermal, ocean energy).
• Role of digitalization and AI in accelerating the energy transition.
• Power-to-X concepts (e.g., power-to-gas, power-to-liquids).
• Circular economy principles in utility operations.
• The evolving role of power utilities in a decarbonized energy system.

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.