According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, renewables must account for 91% of global electricity generation by 2050 to keep the 1.5°C climate goal within reach. That is not a hopeful projection, it is a necessity. The world urgently needs more people who understand not just why we need the energy transition, but how to make it happen.
Each summer, the Green Energy Summer School (GESS) by RENAC brings together aspiring change-makers, professionals, and energy enthusiasts from around the world for two weeks of interactive learning at the RENAC Training Centre in the heart of Berlin. Whether for students new to the field or people already working in the energy sector, GESS is designed to give its participants the knowledge and confidence to take their next big step in renewable energy.
The program is divided into two themed weeks. In the first week, Introduction to Renewable Energy Technologies, participants explore key technologies including photovoltaics, bioenergy, wind power, hydrogen. In the second week, Development and Economics of Photovoltaic Projects, the focus shifts to the practical and financial aspects of solar energy.
“GESS gave me a valuable foundation of renewables knowledge and enables me to talk to my stakeholders at each level.”- Vincent Kedzierski
GESS offers much more than conventional lecture-based education. GESS is about getting involved through real case studies, field trips, practical exercises, group work, and plenty of opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and international peers.
The atmosphere is open and collaborative, and the content is carefully designed to suit different backgrounds.
Courses are led by experts from across the industry, who bring their practical experience into the classroom. You will work on projects in small teams, discuss challenges with people from very different contexts, and leave with both new knowledge and a much broader perspective.
“The field trip and the absolute joy and enthusiasm of the trainers have for their respective topic were the most memorable experiences. They not only know what they are talking about, but they also enjoy it and love sharing their knowledge with others.”- Janina Haubenreisser
You can choose to attend one or both of the following one-week courses:
“I participated in the second week of the GESS programme as part of my onboarding with the German Solar Association. It was an incredible week and a great opportunity to connect with international participants. Many thanks to RENAC for the excellent organisation!” – Johann Sternberg
The Green Energy Summer School (GESS) has been running since 2013, offering up-to-date insights and practical training in the fast-evolving field of renewable energy. Each year, the program is updated to reflect the latest developments and priorities in the sector, and this commitment to staying current continues in 2025.
One of the key highlights of this year’s program is the inclusion of two new comprehensive modules: Hydrogen and Battery Storage. Hydrogen is increasingly seen as a crucial pillar of the energy transition, especially in sectors that are hard to decarbonize, like heavy industry, aviation, and long-haul transport. Its ability to store renewable energy and serve as a clean fuel makes it one of the most exciting developments in the clean energy space today (IEA, 2024). These new modules aim to address the growing importance of hydrogen and battery storage, ensuring participants are prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Sure, you will receive a certificate from RENAC after completing each course. But you will also take home something harder to measure: a clearer sense of where you want to go next in your career, new international network, and the kind of energy that only comes from being part of something bigger.
“The program provides a systematic approach for me to learn about PV projects from development and construction to commissioning. As a company founder, it also offers a valuable opportunity to connect with industry experts and receive suggestions on my ongoing project.” – Lu Ying
Moreover, in addition to theoretical knowledge, GESS emphasizes practical engagement. For example, the hydrogen module provides hands-on experience, allowing participants to work with electrolysers and fuel cells to observe the process of hydrogen and oxygen production from water. Through these practical exercises, you will assess system efficiency under various conditions and gain insight into how hydrogen can be utilized to generate electricity. This experiential learning equips you with both the technical understanding and confidence to make a meaningful contribution to the renewable energy sector.
If you are enthusiastic about building a career in renewable energy, or just want to explore what’s possible, GESS is a great place to start. You will learn, connect, and get inspired in one of the most exciting cities for sustainability and innovation.
For more information, check out our courses at: https://shop.renac.de/.
Watch the RENAC summer school video in our YouTube channel:
Learn more about Renewables Academy (RENAC)
Sources:
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), 2024. World Energy Transitions Outlook 2024: 1.5 °C pathway (Summary). Abu Dhabi: IRENA. Available at: https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2024/Nov/IRENA_World_energy_transitions_outlook_2024_Summary.pdf
International Energy Agency (IEA), 2024. Global Hydrogen Review 2024. Paris: IEA. Available at: https://www.iea.org/reports/global-hydrogen-review-2024
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