Training Climate and Energy Transformation Experts for Tomorrow

About our Training Programmes

Informed specialists play a crucial role in tackling global climate issues and shaping the energy systems of tomorrow. Although energy policy is primarily national policy, all national energy transitions also have a lot in common: international climate commitments, low carbon technologies, traded energy commodities, best practices for regulatory principles, market design, and more.

To foster international expertise and knowledge transfer, Agora Energiewende and its partners at the Renewables Academy (RENAC) offer the following training programmes, which can be combined or taken individually. The trainings are particularly aimed at energy transition policy experts employed by or affiliated with a think tank or other non-governmental organisation working in the energy transition field. Experts from civil society organisations and/or an academic bodies researching energy policy or another relevant field fall into the wider target group.

For a detailed overview on all EnerTracks programmes, eligibility criteria & timelines, please refer to information below and/or the Enertracks Programmes brochure.

Application process

Agora Energiewende in cooperation with Renewables Academy offers a variety of trainings:

Applying for Fellowship, Study Tour, and Hydrogen & PtX trainings

The application process for the Agora Energiewende-administered Fellowship, Study Tour and Hydrogen & PtX trainings opens twice per year (approximately 5 months prior to the start of the programme). Applications must be submitted as one single PDF document in English language.

Applying for Online Modules

Applications for the EnerTracks Online Modules are coordinated through a separate Call for Applications via our partners at RENAC. Applications for the Online Modules must be submitted through the RENAC website during the respective Call for Applications.

Before submitting your application

Please read through the different training programme descriptions, as well as the eligibility criteria and application instructions below. It is possible to apply for multiple trainings at once, as long as your application includes all of the requested information and materials.

NOTE: Simply selecting all trainings during the application process does not automatically increase the likelihood of being selected. However, if you are a good fit, you can be selected for multiple trainings. Bear in mind that we always consider the overall group heterogeneity including regional and gender representation when we select our training cohorts. Unfortunately, because of the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to inquiries regarding status updates. Potential candidates will be invited to an interview within 2-5 weeks of the application deadline. We will be reviewing applications for all trainings on a rolling basis and highly encourage early submissions.

Upcoming call for applications

Fellowship Fall 2023: Call for applications is closed!

Hydrogen & PtX Training Fall 2023: Call for applications is closed!

How to Apply

Once you have read the programme information and eligibility criteria carefully, please submit the following in one single PDF document (English language) via the online application form.

  1. Your CV/resume  (max. 2 pages)
  2. A letter of support from your home institution granting you permission to participate in the training (Applications not including this letter may be automatically rejected)
  3. A motivation letter describing your current responsibilities in your organisation and how the training programme(s) would support your work in your home country (max. 500 words; around 4000 characters with spaces)
  4. Applications for the EnerTracks Fellowship (not needed for PtX or Study Tour): Aside from the motivation letter, applicants must also include information on the specific research topic/project they would like to expand on with their Agora mentor AND how this topic relates directly to their work (max. 250 words). Applications for the Fellowship not including information on the research topic may be automatically rejected.

Please use the following naming convention for this document: firstname_lastname_AgoraTraining_Spring2023 (ex.: joan_smith_AgoraTraining_Spring2023)

Note: Please have all documents ready before starting the application form. Unfortunately, you cannot save a partially completed form and continue working on it at a later point in time. The entire form must be completed in one session and submitted. Once you have submitted the application form, you will receive a confirmation email. Please make sure your email address is spelled correctly and check your spam folder.

 

 

The Hydrogen & PtX Training

Agora Energiewende invites a group of five participants for an intensive two-week training on Hydrogen and Power-to-X (PtX) at our office in Berlin, Germany. Over the course of the programme, participants will take part in training sessions, prepared, and facilitated by Agora Energiewende’s PtX in-house experts. These multi-disciplinary sessions will cover the primary aspects of Hydrogen & PtX, including technological, political, and economic perspectives as well as the sustainability criteria needed to develop hydrogen economies. In a series of exercises, participants are guided to map the PtX policy context and relevant stakeholders in their respective countries and discuss their learnings within the group.

The goal of the programme is to strengthen participants’ ability to weigh the opportunities and risks associated with PtX technologies, and act as drivers of change in their country’s energy transition.

After participating in the Hydrogen & PtX programme, participants will be able to:

  • Critically evaluate technological and economic landscapes and their associated policy implications
  • Better understand the roles of relevant stakeholders and how to engage them to advance the debate on Hydrogen and PtX
  • Tailor and communicate messages to different audiences

Dates:

Fall 2023:

  • 11th September 2023 - 22rd September 2023 (Call for Applications closed)

If you are interested in our upcoming Spring 2024 Hydrogen & PtX training you can fill out this form to be notified once the Call for Applications is open.

  • Eligibility criteria
    • Applicants must be a national of an Official Development Aid (ODA recipient) country
    • To comply with German regulations, in-person participants must be able to provide proof of complete vaccination protection against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Depending on the place of departure, participants might also need to provide a negative test result or proof of recovery and comply with quarantine regulations. For detailed information about which COVID-19 entry restrictions might apply to your circumstance, please consult with the German Embassy in your country.
    • Applicants must be currently employed by or affiliated with a think tank or other non-governmental organisation working in the energy transition field (exceptions see below).
    • Applicants must have around five to seven years of relevant professional experience in the energy sector. We are looking for participants who are already actively engaged and eager to guide national discussions in the energy transition and on Hydrogen & PtX, rather than those who fit a particular age requirement. They should be willing to increase their impact as drivers of change in the energy transformation.
    • Applicants should bring with them a strong understanding of power systems, energy economics, climate and energy policy, and policy instruments/processes.
    • Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited university, in economics, environmental science, engineering, political science, or similar (masters’ degree preferred).
    • Applicants must have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

    Note:

    The programme will be of particular interest to applicants from countries in which PtX technologies are already deployed or future PtX deployment is already being discussed.

    This programme has been designed for individuals working in the think tank/non-profit context, and preference will be given to candidates from those sectors. However, we sometimes consider applications from individuals working in academic organizations or the private sector if they have a strong track record of taking part in national discussions on the energy transition and/ or PtX.

    Unfortunately, currently-enrolled bachelor’s/master’s university students and jobseekers are not eligible to join our programmes.

    We are particularly pleased to receive applications from individuals from groups that have been underrepresented in energy policy. To ensure a diversity of participants, we typically do not accept more than 1-2 individuals from the same country per cohort and take into consideration factors such as gender balance. Should you anticipate any barriers to your participation such as disability access, childcare requirements or other, please let us know. While we cannot guarantee a solution, we will do our best to accommodate candidates chosen for the programme. We encourage you to apply.

  • What to expect

    Over the course of the 2-week Hydrogen & PtX training, participants will receive:

    • Tailored and interactive sessions prepared by in-house Agora Energiewende experts
    • Facilitation of a political economy analysis of the hydrogen and PtX debate in each participant’s country. This includes identifying relevant stakeholders, ranking them according to power and influence, analysing their specific positions on hydrogen and PtX as well as assessing potentials for coalitions that could drive policy debates, identifying market opportunities for different PtX applications as well as evaluating policy instruments necessary for the transition.
    • Peer-to-peer exchange and the opportunity to expand their network of international PtX and energy transition experts.

    Upon completion of the programme participants will receive:

    •     A certificate documenting participation
    •     Access to the Agora Training alumni network

    For further information about what to expect for the Spring 2023 programme, please consult the attached programme overview. Please note that this is still subject to change.

     

  • Logistics and accommodation
    • Reimbursement of the full cost of participants’ flights
    • All-expenses paid accommodation in Berlin
    • Berlin-wide public transportation tickets tfor the duration of the training
    • A modest daily stipend
    • Health insurance
    • A letter of support for visa application processes

    The following costs are to be borne by the applicant:

    • Visa fees
    • Travel costs for transport to and from airports
    • Other personal costs arising during the time in Berlin

The EnerTracks Fellowship Programme

A small group of eight fellows is invited to come to the Agora Energiewende office in Berlin, Germany. Each fellow continues working part-time for their home institution while participating in training sessions that are prepared and facilitated by Agora Energiewende energy experts. These multi-disciplinary sessions cover a variety of topics such as energy markets, power system flexibility, and research methodologies, among others. Supplemental online and reading material, as well as group discussions, complement each of these sessions.

With the support of their Agora Energiewende mentors, each fellow tackles one specific transformation topic of their choice. The topic should be relevant from the perspective of the fellow’s own organisation, with the intention of transferring the learnings into their domestic work.

Dates:

Spring 2023:

  • 24th April 2023 - 2nd June 2023

Fall 2023:

  • 6th November 2023 - 15th December 2023 (Call for applications closed)

If you are interested in our upcoming Spring 2024 Fellowship Programme you can fill out this form to be notified once the Call for Applications is open.

  • Eligibility criteria
    • Applicants must be a national of an Official Development Aid (ODA recipient) country.
    • Due to German regulations, we ask that in-person participants be able to provide proof of complete vaccination protection against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Depending on the place departure, participants might also need to provide a negative test result or proof of immunity, and comply with quarantine regulations. For detailed information about which COVID-19 entry restrictions might apply to your circumstance, please consult to the German Embassy in your country.
    • Applicants must be currently employed or affiliated to a think tank or other civil society organisation and/or an academic body researching energy policy or another relevant field (exceptions see below).
    • Applicants must have around five years of professional experience in the energy or climate sector at the time of application. We’re looking for participants with leadership potential who are at a “tipping point” stage in their careers, rather than those who fit a particular age requirement.
    • Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited university, in economics, environmental science, engineering, political science, or similar (masters’ degree preferred).
    • Applicants must have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
    • Applicants should have a sincere interest in tackling climate change issues and the energy transformation in their home country as well as a strong understanding of power systems, energy economics, and climate and energy policy, policy instruments / processes
    • Applicants should possess a high level of intellectual curiosity and humility.

    Note:

    • This programme was designed for individuals working in the think tank/non-profit context, and preference is given to candidates from those sectors. However, we sometimes consider applications from individuals working in international organizations or the private sector if they have a strong track record of climate change mitigation and energy policy engagement.
    • Unfortunately, bachelor’s/master’s university students and jobseekers are not eligible to join our programmes.
    • We are particularly pleased to receive applications from people from groups that have been underrepresented in energy policy. To ensure a diversity of participants, we typically do not accept more than 1-2 individuals from the same country per cohort and take into consideration factors such as gender balance. Should you anticipate any barriers to your participation such as disability access, childcare requirements or other, please let us know. While we cannot guarantee a solution, we will do our best to accommodate candidates chosen for the programme. We encourage you to apply.
  • What to expect

    Over the course of the 6-week EnerTracks fellowship programme, participants will receive:

    • Circa 45 hours of tailored sessions delivered and prepared by the Agora Energiewende teams
    • Inclusion in the day-to-day work of Agora Energiewende’s Berlin office
    • One-to-one mentoring from Agora Energiewende experts
    • The opportunity to publish an article on the Agora Energiewende blog
    • Excursion to the Agora Energiewende office in Brussels

    Upon completion of the programme participants will receive:

    For more information about what to expect for the Spring 2022 fellowship, please consult the attached draft session list. Please note that this is still subject to change.

  • Logistics & accommodation

    All EnerTracks fellows receive:

    • A travel grant covering half of the costs (up to max. 450€) of participants’ international travel expenses (excluding visa costs)
    • All-expenses paid accommodation in Berlin
    • Berlin-wide public transport tickets for the duration of the Fellowship
    • A modest daily stipend
    • Available office space at our office in the heart of Berlin
    • Health insurance
    • A letter of support for visa application processes

    The following costs are to be borne by the applicant:

    • Visa fees
    • Travel costs for transport to and from airports
    • Other personal costs arising during the time in Berlin

The EnerTracks Study Tour (virtual or in-person)

Over the course of 4.5 weeks (virtual) and 2 weeks (in-person), a select group of 12-16 energy transition professionals are provided with immersive training: either in Berlin or from the comfort of their own home. During the tour, participants receive intensive training in stakeholder engagement, electricity modelling, and design thinking. Under the guidance of RENAC and Agora Energiewende experts, participants work together in small groups and learn how to develop a comprehensive decarbonisation roadmap.

Dates:

Spring 2023 (in-person cohort)

  • 5th June 2023 - 16th June 2023 (Participant cohort selected)

Fall 2023

  • No Fall 2023 training will take place. Trainings in 2024 will be published once defined.

If you are interested in our upcoming Spring 2024 Study Tour training you can fill out this form to be notified once the Call for Applications is open.

  • Eligibility criteria
    • Applicants must be a national of an Official Development Aid (ODA recipient) country.
    • Applicants must be currently employed or affiliated to a think tank or other civil society organisation and/or an academic body researching energy policy or another relevant field (exceptions see below).
    • Applicants must have around five years of professional experience in the energy or climate sector at the time of application. We’re looking for participants with leadership potential who are at a “tipping point” stage in their careers, rather than those who fit a particular age requirement.
    • Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited university, in economics, environmental science, engineering, political science, or similar (masters’ degree preferred)
    • Applicants must have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
    • Applicants should have a sincere interest in tackling climate change issues and the energy transformation in their home country as well as a strong understanding of power systems, energy economics, and climate and energy policy, policy instruments / processes
    • Applicants should possess a high level of intellectual curiosity and humility.

    Note:

    • This programme was designed for individuals working in the think tank/non-profit context, and preference is given to candidates from those sectors. However, we sometimes consider applications from individuals working in international organizations or the private sector if they have a strong track record of climate change mitigation and energy policy engagement.
    • Unfortunately, currently-enrolled bachelor’s/master’s university students and jobseekers are not eligible to join our programmes.
    • We are particularly pleased to receive applications from people from groups that have been underrepresented in energy policy. To ensure a diversity of participants, we typically do not accept more than 1-2 individuals from the same country per cohort and take into consideration factors such as gender balance. Should you anticipate any barriers to your participation such as disability access, childcare requirements or other, please let us know. While we cannot guarantee a solution, we will do our best to accommodate candidates chosen for the programme. We encourage you to apply.
  • What to expect

    Participants will take part in:

    • Introduction to Electricity System modelling course by NEON Energie
    • Design thinking training by Launchlabs
    • Interactive stakeholder engagement roleplay and decarbonisation roadmap group work
    • (Virtual only) Additional live sessions with RENAC and Agora Energiewende experts on topics such as renewable energy finance and stakeholder engagement

    Estimated time commitment (Virtual Study Tour):

    • Mandatory participation in circa 40 hours of live and interactive sessions, on average 7 hours per week
    • 5 hours of pre-recorded sessions
    • 20 hours of independent group work on the decarbonization roadmap
    • 10-14 hours of electricity system modeling assignments
    • see draft agenda here

    Estimated time commitment (in-person Study Tour):

    • The 2-week in-person study tour programme is a full-time commitment. For more information about what to expect, please see the draft agenda here.

    On completion of the programme, participants will receive:

  • Logistics & accommodation (in-person cohort)

    All (in person) EnerTracks study tour participants receive:

    • All-expenses paid accommodation in Berlin
    • A travel grant covering half of the costs (up to max. 450€) of participants’ international travel expenses (excluding visa costs)
    • Berlin-wide public transport tickets for the duration of the programme
    • A modest daily stipend
    • Available office space at our office in the heart of Berlin
    • Health insurance
    • A letter of support for visa application processes

    The following costs are to be borne by the applicant:

    • Visa fees
    • Travel costs for transport to and from airports
    • Other personal costs arising during the time in Berlin

The EnerTracks Online Modules

The online learning modules developed by the Renewables Academy AG (RENAC) offer participants the opportunity to uncover important topics about energy transformation at their own pace.

These courses are designed for all levels, providing an introduction to more advanced courses around the political, economic, and technical aspects related to the transformation of energy systems. The four modules can be taken as a consecutive programme or individually:

  • Module 1: Introduction to power systems - Fundamentals of electricity, generation technology, flexibility options in power systems, fundamentals of power systems and power markets
  • Module 2: Policies supporting energy transformation - Political support mechanisms for renewable energy, carbon markets, balancing power market design and operation
  • Module 3: Technical aspects of energy transformation - Aspects of grid integration of renewable energy systems, application and technical aspects of the four classic flexibility options (grid, storage, generation, demand-side e-mobility)
  • Module 4: Future trends in the power sector - Energy sector coupling, digitisation in the energy sector, an introduction to Hydrogen applications and more

Dates:

EnerTracks Online Modules in Spanish:

  • 9th January - 9th November 2023 (Modules 1 to 4) (Call for applications closed)

EnerTracks Online Modules in English:

  • 9th January - 9th November 2023 (Modules 1 to 4) (Call for applications closed)

Please note: Applications for the EnerTracks Online Modules are coordinated through a separate Call for Applications via our partners at RENAC.

  • Eligibility criteria
    • Applicants must be a national of an Official Development Aid (ODA recipient) country
    • Applicants should be working in the energy sector and be willing to work on decarbonisation and increased flexibility of power systems
    • Applicants must have strong verbal and written communication skills in English OR Spanish

    Note:

    • Unfortunately, bachelor’s/master’s university students and jobseekers are not eligible to join our programmes.
  • What to expect
    • Access to course text and videos
    • Self-assessment tests and short assignments
    • Lectures from experts and professionals delivered via virtual classrooms
    • Technical and organisational support via the forum and email
    • All participants who score above 70% in the final online exam will receive a RENAC certificate
    • Candidates who complete all four modules will receive an additional “Energy Transformation Expert” certificate

Any complaints?

The IKI Independent complaint Mechanism is intended to enable people who suffer (potential) negative social and/or environmental consequences from IKI projects, or who wish to report the improper use of funds, to voice their complaints and seek redress. It follows established international standards for International Accountability Mechanisms.

You can find more information on the IKI complaint Mechanism on the dedicated website here: https://www.international-climate-initiative.com/en/about-iki/values-responsibility/independent-complaint-mechanism/.

 

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