Capacity building workshop on harmonisation of curricula and training for solar PV in EAC region : 17th – 18th April

1. Description 

The International Network of Solar Technology and Application Resource Centres (STAR C), Cornerstone of Rural Electrification initiative (CORE) and the East African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EACREEE) are partnering to support training on regional solar energy qualification frameworks and curricula for selected training and examination centres in the EAC region. 

STAR C is established with the objective to enhance regional solar energy quality infrastructure frameworks in International Solar Alliance (ISA) member states. STAR C is initiated by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and ISA, with funding from the Government of France. The first phase of the STAR C project focuses on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the East African Community (EAC) and the Pacific Community (SPC). The initiative is implemented under the umbrella for the Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres (GN-SEC).  

CORE is an international initiative managed by the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE). CORE’s mission is to enable resilient rural and peri-urban communities by ensuring safety, efficiency and reliability to become the cornerstone of decentralised electrification. CORE’s steering committee includes ARE, UNIDO, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and International Copper Alliance (ICA).  

EACREEE is a body mandated by the East African Community to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in the region. The key areas of focus of the Centre include development and harmonisation of regional policies and standards, capacity building and awareness creation, investment promotion and research and development. EACREEE aims to create an enabling environment by mitigating existing barriers and promoting a competitive sustainable energy market, as well as economies of scale in the EAC region.  

2.Objectives 

Based on the assessment report delivered under the “Development of Regional Solar Energy Qualification Frameworks and Curricula in ECOWAS, EAC and The Pacific Community” project, the objective of this capacity building workshop is to support EACREEE set up a dialogue and structure for common accreditation and quality assurance of solar PV and solar thermal training curriculums at the higher education level through collaboration with the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) and in discussion with responsible Ministries in the EAC.  

3. Agenda 

Day 1 – 17 April 2024 10.00 – 10.15 EAT Welcome remarks EACREEE ARE UNIDO 10.15 – 11.15 EAT Topic 1 (intro): Introduction to the STAR C Project and results of the initial assessment 11.15 – 13.15 EAT Topic 2: Explanation and discussion on the setup of the solar PV curriculum 13.15 – 13.30 EAT Wrap-up discussion Day 2 – 18 April 2024 10.00 – 10.15 EAT Recap day 1 and objectives day 2 CREEEC & Engreen 10.15 – 11.45 EAT Topic 3a: Detailed overview and discussion on Solar PV Curriculum Modules (1) 11.45 – 12.00 EAT  Break 12.00 – 13.30 EAT Topic 3b: Detailed overview and discussion on Solar PV Curriculum Modules (2) + Introduction on available training tools and materials  13.30 – 14.00 EAT  Wrap-up discussion & closing remarks EACREEE ARE UNIDO