Training Future Renewable Energy Leadres in Colombia

Colombia’s Clean Energy Future

Success Story –

USAID is helping prepare the next generation of energy professionals to lead the integration of increasing amounts of renewable energy.

Colombia is transforming its electricity sector and preparing the next generation of energy professionals to lead the integration of increasing amounts of renewable energy.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), through the Scaling Up Renewable Energy program, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) of the U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Energy Association (USEA) worked with the Government of Colombia to develop a comprehensive workforce training program for these young professionals to learn about the construction, operation, and grid integration of variable renewable energy (VRE) projects. The nine-month training program was facilitated by experts from the United States, Norway, Germany, Australia, and Brazil, including market operators, regulators, generators, distributors, and technology producers. The students were encouraged to interact with the presenters online, which created strong working relationships between the young leaders and the energy sectors of participating countries. The training also focused on the inclusion of young women to promote gender balance in the male-dominated sector.

Training participant Jennyfer Marín has a degree in electrical engineering from the University of La Salle, Bogotá, Colombia, and works at the Superintendency of Domiciliary Public Utilities (SSPD), where she manages smart metering projects while pursuing her master’s degree in electrical engineering at the National University of Colombia, Bogotá. Ms. Marín is interested in energy issues because of climate change and the importance of energy to economic growth.

During the USAID and NREL training, Ms. Marín learned about VRE policy and planning trends for solar and wind integration, including strategies to increase system resilience. She also made important connections with energy experts who facilitated the classes and strengthened her peer network of young energy professionals. Completion of the training earned Ms. Marín an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) continuing education certification, which can open doors to new career opportunities.

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Colombia’s Clean Energy Future

USAID is helping Colombia diversify its energy mix with renewable energy while making its grid more resilient to climate change, lowering electricity costs, creating local jobs, and promoting gender equality in the energy sector.

Colombia

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Colombia is a middle-income country and one of the oldest democracies in Latin America. However, it has endured nearly half a century of intense armed conflict, perpetuated by widespread illegal drug production and trafficking.

Scaling Up Renewable Energy (SURE)

GLOBAL, 2017–ONGOING – Through the SURE program, USAID helps partner countries power economies, meet international climate commitments, and strengthen energy security via private investment in, and competitive procurement of, clean electricity.