The renewable energy sector has matured beyond its technical origins to become a mainstream global industry, demanding a new kind of leader—one with a sophisticated understanding of strategy, finance, and policy. While technical expertise remains vital, the success of a renewable energy project, company, or policy framework now depends on a holistic business perspective. Navigating this dynamic market requires a firm grasp of economics, risk management, and market analysis to identify opportunities, attract investment, and build sustainable business models. This course is designed to provide professionals with the strategic and commercial acumen to thrive in this complex and competitive field.

This program offers a unique, condensed "Mini-MBA" curriculum focused entirely on the business of renewable energy. Participants will gain actionable insights into how to evaluate projects from a financial perspective, design innovative business models, and understand the policy drivers that shape global markets. The course covers the full value chain, from early-stage project development and financing to asset management and long-term strategic planning. By bridging the gap between technical and business functions, this training will equip managers, investors, and policymakers to make informed, high-impact decisions that accelerate the energy transition and create lasting value.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Renewable Energy Project Managers
• Investors and Financial Analysts
• Business Development Professionals
• Utility Managers and Executives
• Government and Policy Analysts
• Corporate Strategic Planners
• Entrepreneurs in Clean Energy
• Asset Managers in Energy
• Legal Professionals in Energy
• Consultants in the Energy Sector

Objectives:

• Master the core business and strategic principles of the renewable energy sector.
• Learn to conduct a comprehensive financial and economic analysis of projects.
• Understand the key drivers of business model innovation in a shifting market.
• Grasp the complexities of project finance and risk mitigation.
• Develop proficiency in analyzing renewable energy markets and policy frameworks.
• Explore best practices in managing and optimizing renewable energy assets.
• Learn about robust approaches to corporate and distributed energy procurement.
• Identify the critical legal, regulatory, and policy considerations for green business.
• Develop skills in communicating a compelling business case and a strong data story.
• Formulate strategies for sustainable and competitive business growth.

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Renewable Energy Business Landscape

• The energy transition as a business opportunity
• Market trends, drivers, and forecasts
• The renewable energy value chain
• Key players and business models
• An overview of the global renewable energy market

Module 2: Renewable Energy Economics

• The concept of the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE)
• Analyzing costs: CAPEX, OPEX, and financing costs
• Valuing the benefits of renewable energy
• The role of subsidies and incentives
• The importance of a clear and focused research question

Module 3: Project Finance for Renewables

• Introduction to project finance vs. corporate finance
• Key financial metrics: NPV, IRR, and payback period
• Structuring and negotiating a project finance deal
• Managing risk in project development
• The role of a "risk and mitigation" plan

Module 4: Market Analysis and Forecasting

• Understanding wholesale and retail electricity markets
• Analyzing supply and demand dynamics
• The impact of renewable energy on market prices
• The role of forecasting in market analysis
• The importance of a simple scorecard and a dashboard

Module 5: Business Model Innovation

• The shift to distributed generation and Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS)
• New models for customer engagement
• The role of digital platforms and data
• Creating value in a decentralized system
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style

Module 6: Policy and Regulatory Frameworks

• The role of government policy in market creation
• Feed-in tariffs, renewable portfolio standards, and carbon pricing
• Policy risks and their mitigation
• The legal and regulatory environment for renewable energy
• The importance of a clear and compelling KPI

Module 7: Strategic Management & Business Planning

• Developing a business strategy for a clean energy company
• Market entry strategies and competitive analysis
• The role of a "data story map"
• Managing growth and expansion
• Strategic foresight and scenario planning

Module 8: Corporate Finance and Valuation

• Valuing a renewable energy company or project portfolio
• Mergers and acquisitions in the energy sector
• Sources of capital: venture capital, private equity, public markets
• The role of a "stakeholder analysis"
• Managing corporate-level financial risk

Module 9: Sales, Marketing, and Customer Relations

• The marketing of green energy and sustainability
• Developing sales channels and partnerships
• Negotiating power purchase agreements (PPAs)
• Corporate procurement of renewable energy
• Managing customer relationships and loyalty

Module 10: Operations and Asset Management

• The business of running a renewable energy plant
• Optimizing operations for maximum revenue
• Predictive maintenance and asset health
• The role of a digital twin
• Life-cycle management of energy assets

Module 11: Supply Chain Management

• Key components of the renewable energy supply chain
• Managing supply chain risks and logistics
• Sourcing materials ethically and sustainably
• The role of technology in supply chain optimization
• The future of the renewable energy supply chain

Module 12: Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)

• The business case for DERs (e.g., rooftop solar, storage)
• Microgrids and their business models
• The role of EVs and vehicle-to-grid (V2G)
• Aggregating DERs for grid services
• Regulatory challenges for DERs

Module 13: Risk Management in the Energy Sector

• Identifying and mitigating market, political, and regulatory risks
• Technology risk assessment and management
• Insurance and other risk transfer mechanisms
• The role of a "data story map"
• Project risk management

Module 14: Case Studies in Business & Strategy

• Case study: A successful project development firm
• Case study: An innovative energy services company
• Lessons learned from global business leaders
• The politics and business of energy transition
• The importance of a program's theory of change

Module 15: Corporate Sustainability & ESG

• Integrating sustainability into corporate strategy
• ESG reporting and its importance for investors
• The role of renewable energy in a net-zero strategy
• Building a sustainable and ethical business culture
• The importance 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.