More than 45 members of Masdar Institute of Science and Technology’s Young Future Energy Leaders, YFEL, outreach programme were introduced to the rigors of analyses in the fast-growing US$270-billion renewable energy sector during a one-day course hosted today by the International Renewable Energy Agency, IRENA.

Entitled, ‘Being an analyst in the renewable energy industry,’ the course was led by officials from Masdar and IRENA with members of PricewaterhouseCoopers, PwC, the International Energy Agency, IEA, and the World Bank joining the panel discussion. Participants benefited from the discussion with prominent experts, who highlighted their day-to-day activities and responsibilities as analysts. Experts also offered advice on tools and data sources that could help develop YFEL members into full-fledged industry analysts.

"Energy markets worldwide are undergoing a rapid transformation, including the emergence of renewable energy as a mainstream alternative to fossil fuels," said IRENA Director-General Adnan Z. Amin. "Government and business must track these changes for policy and planning purposes, and they will need skilled energy analysts to do so. IRENA is pleased to work with Masdar Institute’s YFEL programme to help meet the growing need for future energy experts."

Over the past three years, renewables have accounted for more than half of net capacity additions in the global power sector, meaning more new renewable energy capacity is being installed than new capacity in fossil and nuclear power combined. Today, more than 7.7 million people worldwide are employed by the renewable energy sector, which has grown 17 percent since last year. These compelling factors encouraged IRENA to organise the one-day course for YFEL members to raise their awareness about career prospects in alternative energy.

Moreover, some of the former YFEL members currently employed with various private, government and non-government organisations including IRENA, have benefited significantly by the outreach programme’s annual initiatives on enhancing knowledge and leadership skills. Such former YFEL members including Asiyah AlAli, Programme Officer, Environmental Impacts and Financing of Renewable Energy, IRENA, are keen to interact with the current members and share their experience.

"As a programme dedicated to creating future energy leaders, YFEL offers various avenues for professional development in collaboration with industry and non-government partners including IRENA," said Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Vice-President, Institutional Advancement and Public Affairs, Masdar Institute. "With incremental growth in opportunities in the renewable energy sector, courses such as this are becoming necessary for strengthening and further developing the region’s skill base. Masdar Institute is delighted to work with IRENA and support talented youth through the YFEL outreach programme."

In addition to courses organised by external partners, YFEL offers guest lectures and intensive courses annually on technology, policy, and leadership that are led by renowned industry experts and Masdar Institute faculty.