Practical Training Course on Solar Energy

Training Course

Sunlight provides the energy source that powers the earth's ecosystem. Harnessing this energy provides a renewable, sustainable and low carbon energy source. Solar energy can replace dirty, expensive and inconvenient energy. Furthermore, such a decentralized energy system gives people more active ownership of their energy sources and secures an efficient use of energy. Increasing energy efficiency is the cheapest and most effective way to cut carbon emissions and reduce the energy demand. The development, use, and research of solar energy are in the focus of the Center for Environmental and Smart Technology (CEST) in Egypt. The country is located in the world's solar belt and enjoys excellent solar availability, with direct solar radiation for more than eight hours a day.

It is of great importance to develop knowledge and skills, particularly amongst young people, and to enable them to design, install, and operate renewable energy systems. These systems include solar thermal heaters, photovoltaic panels, wind turbine and solar driven desalination systems. The AGYA Practical Training Course on Solar Energy offered an excellent opportunity for Egyptian and Arab students to study renewable energy systems both from theoretical and practical points of view. More than 500 students have applied to the open call for participation in the course. Only 20 applicants have been selected. They were trained inter alia in Solar Radiation and Thermal Systems; Pyranometar and Solar Path Finder; Photovoltaics; Polysun Software or Solar Desalination.

In addition to the training program, a one day symposium on "Challenges and Potential Opportunities of Renewable Energy and Water Resources in Egypt, the Arab World and Germany" was organized at Fayoum University. High ranking experts and stakeholders were invited to discuss together with the participants of the training course current and future developments.