IN LINE with international trends to embrace the benefits of renewable energy, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University is offering four short courses on alternative energy. NMMU, in conjunction with the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies at Stellenbosch University, has compiled a suite of short courses to educate individuals in the field of renewable energy.

Each of the four courses will be offered intensively over a five-day period and is accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa for continuous professional development.

The short courses to be presented are:

• Renewable Energy Technology
• Wind Energy
• Photovoltaic Systems
• Renewable Energy Finance and Policy

The Renewable Energy Technology course from 25 to 29 August 2014 is aimed at understanding the nature, resources, conversion technologies, efficiencies and practical utilisation of the renewable energy sources hydropower, geothermal energy, solar energy, ocean current energy, wave energy and wind energy.

The Wind Energy course from 8 to 12 September will focus on the history of wind energy, the current state of the industry and industry drivers, predominant wind turbine technologies, the theory of operation, electro-mechanical and aerodynamic principles and the fundamentals of electrical power quality and grid integration. In addition, participants will learn about wind energy facility development process and methodologies, including wind resource assessment and the feasibility factors such as energy capture calculation, environmental impact assessment, grid studies and essential economics.

The course on Photovoltaic Systems from 6 to 10 October will provide attendees with an understanding and tools to design grid-tied photovoltaic systems within the South African solar resource, technical and legislative contexts.

Finally, the Renewable Energy Finance and Policy course from 27 to 31 October will help participants  understand the parameters that influence the financial aspects and project design of renewable energy initiatives in Africa. 

The module is designed to address the following questions:

• What does sustainable renewable energy mean?
• How can sustainable renewable energy projects be assessed, identified and prioritised?
• How may appropriate renewable energy projects be managed as sustainable energy value chains in Africa?
• What tools can be used to promote appropriate and sustainable renewable energy projects?

Enquiries: LeRoi Grimbeek on 041-5049912 or e-mail Leroi.Grimbeek@nmmu.ac.za