IRENA's Renewable Energy Learning Partnership platform launched

A much-needed new renewable energy learning resource will be launched at the third Clean Energy Ministerial in London (25-26 April). The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Renewable Energy Learning Partnership (IRELP) will provide an easily accessible online platform for renewable energy education and training.

The IRENA Renewable Energy Learning Partnership has been designed for worldwide use by learners – including students, vocational trainees and other professionals looking to develop and update their renewable energy knowledge; education and training providers; as well as government entities and decision makers. It can be accessed at www.irelp.org

 “IRENA is responding to an unsatisfied demand for education and training in renewable energy technologies” explained the agency’s Director General Mr. Adnan Z. Amin. “We have developed IRELP to meet the growing worldwide demand for skilled renewable energy personnel, especially in developing countries, where they have an important role to play in development and poverty alleviation”.

IRELP offers a global repertoire of renewable energy education opportunities including: a library with training materials; a database of webinars as well as of study and training programmes; an e-learning platform where students receive support through e-learning lectures and tutorials; and a knowledge exchange corner (Forum) where professors and renewable energy experts can participate and that will stimulate the further development of renewable energy modules and study programmes.

The creation of IRELP, which in addition to technical training, also provides instruction on cross-cutting issues such as policy, finance or access to energy, has been inspired by market needs and to further IRENA’s mandate of accelerating the worldwide deployment of renewables.

“Inadequate availability and access to renewable energy training has exacerbated shortages of skilled workers,” said Mr. Amin. “Higher education is needed for research and innovation, and vocational training is essential for technical services such as installation, operation and maintenance. IRELP has been designed to address these barriers.”

CEM delegates will be able to test the IRELP portal at the third Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting (CEM3) on 25 and 26 April in London, UK, where ministers from more than 20 participating countries will gather to discuss progress on the CEM’s clean energy initiatives.

IRELP has benefited from the contributions of leading institutions in the field of renewable energy, and initiatives such as: Clean Energy Ministerial, Economic and Technological Development Distance Learning Centre Foundation (CEDDET), Research Center for Energy, Environment and Technology (Ciemat), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP), Sustainable Energy Initiative (SEI).