IRENA Renewable Energy Learning Partnership Forum
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) marked a high point in the annual solar calendar with a forum on education and training needs for fast-growing new energy industries. The forum, held during the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) Solar World Congress 2013 in Cancun, Mexico, highlighted a highly successful IRENA online platform to raise awareness of renewable energy career opportunities and provide relevant education and training links.
The IRENA Renewable Energy Learning Partnership (IRELP) was formed in 2012 to broaden access to such information in the fast-growing sector, whether for solar, wind or other renewable sources and technologies.
IRELP has become the largest global database of renewable energy education opportunities and resources, currently offering more than 2,500 workshops, courses, degree and certificate programs, internship opportunities, webinars and training guides. With active users in more than 190 countries, IRELP is helping students, aspiring professionals and future decision makers embark on exciting renewable energy careers.
The IRELP Forum addressed education and training with a specific focus on solar energy, including the tools available to improve access to existing programmes offered worldwide. The forum also offered insight on the status of human capacity development in Latin America, as well as highlighting the importance of accreditation to standardise training and ensure quality.
IRENA Renewable Energy Learning Partnership (IRELP)
Hugo Lucas, IRENA
Best Practices in Accreditation, Training and Certification
Johnny Weiss, Solar Energy International (SEI)
International Co-operation to Improve Higher Education in Renewable Energy
Klaus Vajen, Kassel University
A brief history about Education and Training in the Energy field: Mexico, Cuba and Chile
Tanya Moreno, UNAM-Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and Centro de Capacitación, Investigación y Desarrollo Tecnológico en Energía y Sustentabilidad (CIDTES)