The Arab Program for Sustainable Energy Youth

The Grant supported the Arab Program for Sustainable Energy Youth (APSEY) initiated by the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE). It directly benefited 24 young professionals and post-graduate students from RCREEE member states aspiring to work in the renewable energy and energy efficiency fields. The Arab Program for Sustainable Energy Youth (APSEY) was initially launched by RCREEE in 2012 in response to the market need of qualified professionals in the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency fields. OFID grant supported building the capacities of 12 young professionals and fresh graduates from six countries (namely Djibouti, Mauritania, Palestine, Sudan, Syria and Yemen), 25% of which were young female professionals. Before every round, RCREEE circulates widely a call for applicants in 17 countries highlighting OFID co-sponsorship of the program. The call is produced in three languages to ensure maximum reach. RCREEE counts on various channels including social media with more over 100 posts annually, e-campaigns (six campaigns annually), among 80 recruitment websites, universities communications channels, students alumni networks, embassies and governance officials/bodies beside RCREEE website. After the selection phase, interns get introduced to RCREEE through a tailored orientation agenda. RCREEE senior experts guide the interns through business and technical topics to acquaint them with RCREEE’s mission, projects, strategic partners and communication strategy. Ensuring regional exposure, interns are scheduled a one-day workshop with lead experts from Energy Department league of Arab states as part of their orientation agenda. During this workshop, interns are introduced to regional energy profiles, RE and EE action plans and future cooperation/ intervention areas. As Egypt was the host country, RCREEE arranged another half-day workshop at New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) where interns met with top management to exchange remarks. Besides, this was a great chance for interns to get introduced to Egypt’s renewable energy plan (with progress details) and various current programs and projects. Inters are allocated on various projects matching their background, following OFID’s approval on the interns work plans. Over four rounds, Grant II interns worked upon various projects including: • Arab Future Energy Index™ (AFEX): policy assessment and benchmark in 17 countries • Active Turbine Management Program (ATMP) • Arab Region Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Guide (Daleel) • National Renewable Energy Action Plans (NREAP) • National Energy Efficiency Action Plans (NEEAP) End Use Electrical EE Guidelines • Pan Arab- Certified Energy Management Professional Program (PA-CEMP) • Catalyzing the Use of Solar Photovoltaic Energy in Iraq Training Courses and Activities: Interns attended a number of regional workshops for networking and exposure purposes. Besides, they actively participate in regional and international conferences and workshops, for example: • Regional Conference on “Decentralized Renewable Energy Solutions in the MENA Region: A Driver of Local Value and Job Creation” • Arab Energy Efficiency Day • “Solar Pumping: An emerging market and major drive for sustainable energy and Jobs“ • GEIDCO/LAS training course on “Global Energy Interconnection” Besides, RCREEE arranged a number of training courses covering technical and soft skills. This list of trainings includes: Filed visit to Zaafrana Wind Farm, one of the largest wind farms in Egypt; Energy Auditing training and field exercise at a factory; PV Systems Design and Acceptance Testing; Field visit to NREA solar test labs and PV rooftops; Project Management; Proposal writing training; Advanced Excel Training; Business writing workshop; Data Collection, Verification and Archiving processes; CV building and job hunting tips.