Sustainable Energy Access for Communities (FutureLearn)

Since the launch of the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the international community has been working tirelessly to address the energy access challenge. But this cannot be achieved unless we find ways to inspire and support entire communities to transition to renewable energy.

To do this, you’ll identify the right technological solutions and the many sides to renewable energy, including technology, behaviour change, economics, and community dynamics.
Examine the use of renewable energy sources

The course will help you address energy efficiency and how communities can save both money and energy with the right solutions.

Examining different business models, you’ll identify several renewable energy and off-grid community solutions, such as solar PV, wind, hydro, bio-gas, and even bio-electricity.

You’ll also analyse a mini-grid case study and look into household energy consumption to understand where savings can be made.

Understand the importance of community engagement

When addressing energy access, it’s vital to consider the ways this can impact the wider community.

You’ll examine case studies and learn innovative techniques to promote community engagement and help you make a change in your community.

Finally, you will take part in a peer review of your plans to help your community move closer to a renewable energy future.

What topics will you cover?

Week 1: The meaning of energy access

Challenges for renewable energy

Defining access to energy

Moving to clean cooking

Alternative energy futures: an integrated approach

On or off grid? A debate
Week 2: Renewable energy solutions for communities

Energy efficiency: saving money, saving energy

Exploring renewable options for communities

Analysing household energy consumption

Business models for off grid community solutions

Mini grid case study and game
Week 3: Engaging the community

The importance of community engagement in the transition to renewable energy

Case studies in community engagement

A citizen’s assembly on energy in Lebanon

Creative ways to support stakeholder decision making

Planning a community engagement activity

Learning on this course

You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

- Describe the complex levels of access to energy and the relationship between access to energy and meeting the SDGs

- Assess renewable energy solutions for communities

- Identify a path to energy transition for you and your community

- Experiment with energy efficiency

- Discuss business models for renewable energy solutions

- Explore approaches to engaging the community to move towards renewable energy

- Produce a plan for community engagement with renewable energy
Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone with an interest in renewable energy transitions. You could be an aspiring community activist or leader, a professional working in renewable energy, or a government professional with a role in renewable energy.