Liz Carroll
Director of Learning & Development, Irish Manufacturing Research
The path to a successful energy transition can be challenging due to the overwhelming amount of information. Specialised training programmes can guide companies through renewable energy options and practical implementation.
The World Economic Forum highlights that ‘a successful energy transition requires broad support from society to implement the measures necessary to bend the curve. This starts with creating a general understanding of the challenges involved, potential solutions and measures and the science behind those measures.’
Energy transition training challenges
For individuals and companies navigating this transition, the abundance of information can be overwhelming. With so many options and alternatives, it can be hard to identify the best route. For companies, even when they know what they want to do, they often lack the skills to do it.
This results in several roles for training and development in energy transition. Firstly, it is essential to provide a general understanding of the challenges involved and available solutions. Next, help individuals and companies select the best courses of action for them. Finally, provide them with the skills to effectively take action.
Training programmes can ensure that
companies can confidently navigate their
path towards a more sustainable future.
Understanding energy transition essentials
While the skills needed for a successful energy transition range from broader implementation tasks like retrofitting to specialised engineering skills, many companies begin the procurement process for energy solutions without knowing the right questions to ask suppliers. They often become overwhelmed by technical specifications.
To make a fully informed decision, it is crucial to understand the underlying factors of system sizing, pricing and projected savings or earnings presented in a quotation. Grasping both the technical and economic implications of different energy solutions is essential before making a final investment.
Targeted training programme to guide transition
Part of Irish Manufacturing Research’s role is to demystify and derisk opportunities for manufacturing companies in Ireland. A two-day training programme has been designed to bring participants through alternative renewable energy options, identify strategies to optimise energy consumption, identify suitable energy production systems for their particular site and interpret economic indicators to enable them to assess green energy technologies.
The programme is designed to help participants find a sustainable energy solution that aligns with their goals, leading to enhanced energy security, cost reductions, decarbonisation and improved funding opportunities. Moreover, by achieving these targets, companies would benefit from a boost in positive public relations.
By demystifying the energy transition process and providing actionable insights, training programmes can ensure that companies can confidently navigate their path towards a more sustainable future.
