Overview
Deliverable D3.1 presents the complete Training Programme and Training Materials developed under Work Package 3 (WP3) of POWER-E-COM.
The overarching aim is to provide high-quality training and mentoring for:
- energy communities,
- local authorities, and
- interested citizens,
to support both the creation of new energy communities and the upgrade of existing ones.
The document details the collaborative design process, the full training curriculum, the 10 training modules, and the preparation for pilot delivery across all six partner countries.
1. Purpose and Ambition of WP3
The training programme aims to:
- upskill 600 participants in the piloting phase (300 community members and 300 local authority representatives)
- train an additional 600 people through the “Community Energy Training Pack” (Task 3.4)
- support energy communities through structured training, mentoring and ECTO services
Training development took place from October 2023 to June 2024, involving all partners in a co-creation process.
Training materials will be adapted, translated and piloted from September 2024 onward.
2. Process of Developing the Training Programme
The development process included:
- An in-depth review of challenges facing energy communities across countries
- Use of outputs from WP2 (e.g., regulatory, technical and social barriers)
- A PESTLE-based analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technical, Legal, Environmental)
- Multiple in-person and online partner meetings (Munich, Linz, Rivas)
- Iterative drafting of a shared curriculum and 10 training modules
A significant amount of supporting material was collected, including:
- case studies,
- reading lists, and
- freely available content from over 30 relevant European projects.
A full analysis is included in Appendix 2.
3. The POWER-E-COM Training Modules
The training programme contains 10 modules, grouped into two thematic pillars:
A. Community Development Modules
- EU and National Policy
- Introduction to Community Development
- Planning and Consultation
- Project Finance and Organisation
- Project Management
B. Energy Modules
- Understanding Energy and Energy Principles
- Energy Systems – Static Systems in the Building Envelope
- Energy Efficiency (dynamic systems)
- Renewable Energy for Electricity
- Renewable Energy for Heat
Each module includes:
- detailed learning outcomes
- PowerPoint slides (1–2 per module)
- case studies
- recommended reading
- discussion elements and (later) quizzes
The modules are designed for EQF level 4–5, suitable for community groups and municipalities.
Modules can be freely combined depending on the needs and maturity of the energy community.
4. Core vs. Optional Modules
The deliverable identifies four core modules, considered essential for all learners:
- Module 1: EU and National Policy
- Module 2: Introduction to Community Development
- Module 6: Understanding Energy and Energy Principles
- Module 8: Energy Efficiency (Fabric-First Principle)
Other modules are optional and selected based on local needs and EC maturity.
5. Training Delivery Plans (per Country)
Austria
- Details not yet available at time of writing
Bulgaria
- Target: 15–20 trainees
- Audience: Citizens, RECs, local authorities
- Hybrid delivery in Sofia/Gabrovo (Sept 2024–May 2025)
- Modules: To be decided
Germany
- Partner: EWO (supported by WIP)
- Target: 25 trainees (citizens, local authorities, SMEs)
- In-person delivery in Penzberg, Autumn 2024
- Recruitment begins summer 2024
Ireland
- Partner: Tipperary Energy Agency
- Target: 15–20 participants (SECs and county councils)
- Hybrid delivery, Sept–Dec 2024
- Focus on core modules
Slovenia
- Partners: ENERGAP and University of Maribor
- Target: 20 trainees (public institutions, SMEs)
- In-person, Autumn/Winter 2024–2025
- Early-stage EC landscape
Spain
- Partners: Escan and Municipality of Rivas
- Target: 25 trainees (citizens, RECs, local authorities, SMEs)
- In-person, Nov 2024–Feb 2025
- Recruitment starts 1.5 months in advance
6. Conclusions and Next Steps
The 10 training modules:
- provide a consistent but flexible structure across countries
- will be translated and adapted to national contexts
- will be piloted from September 2024 to May 2025
- include quizzes enabling the awarding of digital badges for learners
After piloting, updated and localised training content will be made freely available, hosted either:
- on partner websites, or
- within the national ECTOs.
Each trainee completing at least 3 core modules + 1 optional module will earn a POWER-E-COM digital badge.
Download the Full Deliverable
Deliverable D3.1 – Training Programme and Training Materials (PDF)
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