Introduction

The Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), in collaboration with the Advisory Services of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), carried out a comprehensive training program on Renewable Energy (RE) for World Bank Group (WBG) staff. The activity was conceived with the aim of offering internal training to World Bank Group staff mapped to the energy practice, as well as to provide a forum to promote networking and knowledge exchange. The training sessions were also open to interested energy sector stakeholders from client countries, donors and NGOs upon request.

Objective

The key objective of this training program was to strengthen the overall level of knowledge of WBG staff on Renewable Energy. Attendees were presented with a complete overview and the most recent developments on the main RE technologies (including wind, solar, and geothermal), which allowed them to engage in and carry out future  analytical work, technical assistance and investment operations based on the most current information.

This was expected to contribute to better informed government policies, and better structured public and private investment operations thanks to increased knowledge among WBG staff, which would translate into more relevant and higher quality advice to client countries.

Delivery Method

This training program was comprised of several modules, most of them technology-specific. Each module was divided in 4-hour sessions. The number of sessions per module varied from 2 to 4, depending on the complexity and breadth of the issues to be covered.

Training contents for each session were developed and delivered by leading experts, both internal and external to the Bank, and reviewed by the program’s Advisory Committee. Participants benefited from selected background documents, thematic presentations and case studies, as well as from the discussions happening during the training sessions.

Speakers comprised the main technology providers for each technology, developers, independent engineers, project rating agencies, professional associations and leading experts at reputed universities and The World Bank Group.

Access to training materials

All the sessions were recorded and the links, together with the presentations and references (documents and links) authorized by speakers, are shared through a virtual collaborative platform that serves as a repository (e-team). Members of the e-team include participants, speakers, organizers and other external practitioners from bilateral and multilateral development agencies. The e-team allows members to participate in discussions and request additional information to other members.

All those development professionals and members of developing countries governments interested in watching the recorded sessions or obtaining access to the training materials, please contact Silvia Martinez Romero at esmap@worldbank.org.

Structure

Each module covered the following topics:
• Technology overview
• Market analysis and economics
• Project development and operation
• Environmental and social impacts
• Experience and role of the WBG
• Lessons learned

Cross-cutting modules covered the following issues:
• Policy incentives and financial support mechanisms for RE
• Financing of RE Projects
• Grid integration, transmission and distribution
• Technical Due Dilligence
 

Sessions already Held 

For more information, please contact Silvia Martinez Romero at esmap@worldbank.org.