Solar Power Project: Solar Energy Training at TVET Institutions in Ethiopia. Enea Stocco EU-VIS Regional Project Manager for East Africa

Transcription

1 Solar Power Project: Solar Energy Training at TVET Institutions in Ethiopia Enea Stocco EU-VIS Regional Project Manager for East Africa

2 Overview: The Solar Power Project is a result of the implementation of a bigger project named Co-Partners in Development and funded by the European Union ( ) The aim of the Co-Partners in Development project is to strengthen the Planning and Development Offices (PDO) of the Salesians of Don Bosco located in 36 ACP Countries How: one of the main objectives is to support the PDOs (e.g. Ethiopia) through capacity building initiatives aimed at providing competences to design sustainable projects to improve the lives of the most vulnerable youth in Ethiopia

3 Overview: The presence of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Ethiopia is well-rooted covering almost the entire Country Main Office in Addis Ababa; Ten other offices in Ethiopia; Six Technical & Vocational Training Centers (TVETs) Other activities for the youth

4 Solar Power Project: Ethiopian Government Background Under its Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP), Ethiopia aims to follow a low carbon, green economy path and even envisions becoming a regional renewable energy hub in East Africa.

5 Context assessment and Vision Put in place sustainable structures for the capacity development of solar technicians Create awareness and promote the use of renewable energy systems in the non-electrified rural areas of Ethiopia. The electrification in rural households, schools and businesses contributes to improve the quality of life and provide opportunities to run and maintain businesses in rural settings. For a green economy a market is needed, but at the same time well trained technicians are needed to install, maintain and repair these systems.

6 Solar Power Project Implemented by Don Bosco in cooperation with Jugend Eine Welt Österreich and it is funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation ( ) Overall objective: reducing the poverty in Ethiopia by supporting the country s transition to renewable energy Specific objective: to promote renewable energies and the set-up of sustainable solar training courses for youth and technicians at 6 TVETs in Ethiopia

7 Results A certified training course for solar technicians is established at the electrical department of 4 private TVET institutions and 2 public TVET institutions. Technical equipment and solar systems are installed and functional at 4 private TVETs and 2 public TVET institutions. The awareness program for government officials, teachers and students and the community around the TVET colleges about renewable energy, energy efficiency and environmental protection is carried out. Knowledge Management and exchange on renewable energy and energy efficiency amongst stakeholders in Ethiopia, Eastern Africa andaustria

8 Achievements Established a solar center in each of the mentioned TVETs attached to the electric department Installed operating solar systems in each TVET Organized high-quality trainings in solar technology in Adwa for all teachers of the four TVETs Training of Trainers (ToT) for Federal TVET electric teachers in Mekanissa (Addis Ababa) Provided specific modules on Solar Energy for students attending the electrical courses (e.g. in Adwa the training center is fully equipped for the basics of solar technology to advanced planning and installation of off-grid solar systems. Trained external candidates in short courses on Solar energy at the four Don Bosco TVETs.

9 Curriculum development for 4 modules (Basics of Photovoltaic (PV) systems; Solar PV Lamps and Pico Solar systems; Solar PV systems for Health stations and Schools; Solar water pumping and irrigation technology). Installing, maintenance and repair of solar PV systems are an integral part of each module Structure of the courses All courses have a content of 120 contact hours In case the students have already an electric knowledge the courses is shorten to 70 contact hours. Accreditation of the Solar Courses from the regional TVET Office.

10 Relevant points for future investment opportunities Cooperate with other foreign companies and/or investors specialized in the field (e.g. Schneider Electric). These entities could benefit from the knowledge acquired by Don Dosco with regard the local needs in renewable energy Improve the current provided training solar courses to absorb the high number of potential students already interested to participate Expand the training solar courses to other public and private TVET colleges in Ethiopia Enhance the public and private partnerships at regional and local level in the field of renewable energy, particularly solar technologies: increase awareness Co-operation with Don Bosco TVETs in neighboring Africa countries (e.g. Uganda, Kenya, Malawi but also Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria)

11 Thank you for your attention! Enea Stocco EU-VIS Regional Project Manager for East Africa Salesians of Don Bosco Ethiopia Kirkos Subcity Woreda 3 House 0597 Addis Ababa