Clean Energy Academy Programme launched in Azerbaijan

The Economic Cooperation Organization Clean Energy Center (CECECO), in partnership with Renewables Academy AG (RENAC), an internationally recognised institution based in Berlin, Germany, launched the Clean Energy Academy Programme. The programme aims to strengthen knowledge and technical capacities in the clean energy sector and contribute to increasing the number of qualified professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to support the region’s clean energy transition.

The first phase of the Programme, which will run from September to December 2026, will involve 20 representatives from Azerbaijan participating in a “Training of Trainers” programme. Participants will acquire updated knowledge in renewable energy and energy efficiency, clean energy technologies, and renewable energy economics, while also developing the skills required to deliver training on these topics. In the next phase of the project, the trainers, in coordination with CECECO, will design and deliver training programmes based on the needs and requirements of relevant institutions.

The project is designed to develop highly qualified local trainers in renewable energy and energy efficiency who will be able to independently deliver training programmes in accordance with high professional and educational standards.

The project is being implemented as a social investment initiative aimed at supporting the development of local expertise in renewable energy and energy efficiency in Azerbaijan. It is funded by bp and its partners.

The “Training of Trainers” module consists of 50 hours of self-paced online learning, followed by eight half-day live virtual training sessions. By combining technical knowledge with modern teaching methodologies, the programme will help participants strengthen both their subject-matter expertise and training skills. Participants will benefit from international best practices and learn how to adapt training approaches to local needs, as well as how to independently design, deliver and evaluate training courses. Participants who complete the programme will receive a trainer certification in the field.

The project is expected to establish a sustainable foundation for strengthening future capacity in renewable energy and energy efficiency by enabling local experts to share their knowledge and support the development of broader skills in these fields.

Speaking at the event held today to mark the launch of the project, CECECO Executive Director Aysel Yagubova emphasised that the main objective of the Clean Energy Academy Programme is to establish a sustainable national platform for professional education, technical training, institutional capacity building and knowledge exchange in the clean energy sector in Azerbaijan. She expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the endorsement of this project and to bp and the partners for their support in its implementation.

Deputy Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan Elnur Soltanov: “The Clean Energy Academy is of significant importance for developing knowledge and skills in renewable energy and energy efficiency in Azerbaijan. This area opens up broad prospects and new opportunities for the future of Azerbaijan’s energy transition. Within the framework of the energy transition, the integration of new electricity generation facilities into the energy system and their effective coordination with the grid are among the key issues to be addressed. In this process, the active participation of the private sector, alongside the government, is also of particular importance. At the same time, ensuring the economic efficiency of energy transition projects remains one of the key considerations.”

Dr. Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli OBE, bp vice president for the Caspian, Central Asia and Türkiye region, said:

“Supporting the strengthening of local capacity and skills development remains one of the priorities of our social investment activities in Azerbaijan. As Azerbaijan progresses towards its energy transition goals, the need for qualified local professionals who can contribute to expanding and transferring knowledge in renewable energy and energy efficiency is increasing further. Through this project, our aim is not only to equip participants with advanced technical and training skills, but also to help establish sustainable local training capacity that can continue to create value even after the completion of the programme.”