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Study Tour

Two-week immersive training giving participants the tools and skills to develop a comprehensive decarbonization roadmap

About our Study Tour

The Study Tour, jointly developed by Agora Energiewende and our partners at Renewables Academy (RENAC), is an immersive training programme where participants develop a  decarbonization roadmap development. Working for the presidency of the fictitious country titled “EnerTransia”, Study Tour participants will join multi-disciplinary forces to develop a decarbonisation roadmap to guarantee EnerTransia’s decarbonisation by 2055.

Over the course of two weeks (in-person), a select group of 12 energy transition professionals take part in the training programme in Berlin. During the Study Tour, participants receive intensive training in stakeholder engagement, electricity modelling, and design thinking. Under the guidance of RENAC and Agora Energiewende experts, participants work together in small groups and learn how to develop a comprehensive decarbonisation roadmap.

“The Study Tour was a great opportunity to learn more about the different challenges for an equitable energy transition. The study tour helped me develop my energy system modelling skills and integrate them with science-based policy recommendations to achieve economy-wide decarbonization. Also, it’s a great network of energy and environmental changemakers.”

Mahmoud Abouelnaga Spring 2020

Our upcoming trainings

The Study Tour takes place up to two times a year as Spring and/or Fall cohorts.

  • Spring 2024: Next Study Tour will take place in Fall 2024
  • Fall 2024: The dates will be published once confirmed

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What to expect

Participants will take part in:

  • Introduction to Electricity System modelling course by NEON Energie
  • Design thinking training by Launchlabs
  • Interactive stakeholder engagement roleplay and decarbonisation roadmap group work

Estimated time commitment (in-person Study Tour):

  • The 2-week in-person study tour programme is a full-time commitment. For more information about what to expect, please see the draft agenda here.

On completion of the programme, participants will receive:

  • A certificate documenting participation
  • Access to the Alumni Network

Who is eligible

  • Applicants must be a national of an Official Development Aid (ODA recipient) country.
  • Applicants must be currently employed or affiliated with a think tank or other civil society organisation and/or an academic body researching energy policy or another relevant field (exceptions see below). Unfortunately, currently enrolled bachelor’s/master’s university students and job seekers are not eligible to join our programmes.
Interested professionals from international organizations or the private sector

This programme was designed for individuals working in the think tank/non-profit context, and preference is given to candidates from those sectors. However, we sometimes consider applications from individuals working in international organizations or the private sector if they have a strong track record of climate change mitigation and energy policy engagement.

  • Applicants must have around five years of professional experience in the energy or climate sector at the time of application. We’re looking for participants with leadership potential who are at a “tipping point” stage in their careers, rather than those who fit a particular age requirement.
  • Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited university, in economics, environmental science, engineering, political science, or similar (master’s degree preferred)
  • Applicants must have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
  • Applicants should have a sincere interest in tackling climate change issues and the energy transformation in their home country as well as a strong understanding of power systems, energy economics, climate and energy policy, and policy instruments / processes.
  • Applicants should possess a high level of intellectual curiosity and humility.
Participants from underrepresented and/or vulnerable groups

We are particularly pleased to receive applications from individuals from groups that have been underrepresented in energy policy. To ensure a diversity of participants, we typically do not accept more than 1-2 individuals from the same country per cohort and take into consideration factors such as gender balance. Should you anticipate any barriers to your participation such as disability access, childcare requirements or other, please let us know. While we cannot guarantee a solution, we will do our best to accommodate candidates chosen for the programme. We encourage you to apply.

Our training package

The in-person Study Tour takes place in Berlin, requiring participants to travel to Germany. To facilitate their travel to and stay in Berlin, the following training package – including modest financial support – is offered to all participants:

  • A letter of support for visa processes
  • A travel grant covering half of the costs (up to max. 450€) of participants’ international travel expenses (excluding visa costs)
  • All-expenses paid accommodation in Berlin
  • Berlin-wide public transport tickets for the duration of the Fellowship
  • A modest daily stipend
  • International travel health insurance for the duration of the Fellowship

The following costs must be borne by the participant:

  • Any costs or fees connected to Visa processes
  • Travel costs for transport to and from airports
  • Other personal costs arising during the time in Berlin

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