Development and Financing of Renewable Projects

Enrollment options

Teacher: Stratos Tavoulareas

Development and Financing of Renewable Projects

Course Overview

Renewables, especially solar and wind, are expanding rapidly overtaking conventional power generation technologies globally. This short course provides a practical introduction to all aspects of planning and deploying grid-connected renewable projects.

The power grid is an interconnected system designed and operated to satisfy the demand for electricity at all times, no matter how demand is changing (up or down; slowly or very quickly). Each power generation project, which is interconnected into the power grid, affects the grid, and is affected by the grid. The relationship between the project and the power grid is essential for all stakeholders to understand (project planners, engineers, regulators, financiers, etc.).

The power grid is complicated in itself and is becoming more complex as it is evolving rapidly with the addition of disruptive technologies such as renewables (an intermittent energy resource), energy storage (batteries), hydrogen, smart grid capabilities, distributed generation, and demand-response, among others.

Moreover, power system regulations (for renewables, but also for all other power sources) and the design of power markets have substantial impact on the viability and the design of renewable projects.

Online and self-paced

3 months to complete.
10+ hours of recordings.
Webinars with the instructor.
GWU Environmental and Energy
Management Institute Certificate.

Price: $550

Course participants will learn:

• How different power sources are dispatched

• The importance of firm capacity and ancillary services to the stability of the grid

• Key aspects of power system planning

• The impacts of intermittent renewables and how they can be managed to ensure smooth grid operation

• The status of renewables globally and the outlook

• Step-by-step project development guidance from concept development to site identification, plant design, permitting, financing, engineering, construction, and operation

• The characteristics of regulatory frameworks used around the world (feed-in tariffs; renewable portfolio obligations; green certificates; auctions/tenders)

• Understanding probabilities and risks, and linking them to financial parameters

• Understanding the basics of non-recourse financing and the perspective of stakeholders

• Key elements of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

• How to manage project risks

• How the risk-reward relationship influences the design of the financial package

• The project term sheet

Meet the Instructor:

Instructor: Stratos Tavoulareas has 40 years of experience in the power sector worldwide. He combines broad sector experience (in policy, regulation, sectoral reforms, planning, and strategy) with a deep understanding of power technologies (thermal, renewables and hydro) and project finance. He has been involved in cutting-edge technologies and entrepreneurial ventures.

Stratos has held leading positions with the International Finance Corporation, private engineering/advisory firms, and power plant suppliers. Stratos has extensive work experience in Africa, Central Asia, China, Eastern Europe, Japan, Middle East, South and East Asia, and North America. More about the instructor.