Energy Mix and Electricity Supply Infrastructure #258006

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Analyze the technical, economic, and environmental attributes of different electricity generation technologies within a diversified energy mix.

• Evaluate the design, operation, and challenges of modern electricity transmission and distribution (T&D) grids.

• Understand the principles of electricity markets, system operation, and the critical role of grid balancing.

• Assess the impact of variable renewable energy (VRE) integration on grid stability and the solutions for managing intermittency (e.g., storage, demand response, grid modernization).

• Develop a strategic perspective on national energy policy, regulatory frameworks, and the pathways to a decarbonized electricity supply.

• Model simple scenarios to understand capacity planning, reliability, and the evolution of the energy mix.

This course is designed for professionals involved in the planning, development, regulation, and management of the electricity sector:

• Energy Policy Makers and Government Officials

• Utility Engineers and Managers (Generation, Transmission, Distribution)

• Project Developers (Renewable, Conventional, Nuclear)

• Investment Analysts and Financiers in the energy sector

• Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Officers

• Corporate Energy Managers and Sustainability Officers

• Consultants and Researchers in energy and climate fields

• Pre-assessment
• Live group instruction
• Use of real-world examples, case studies and exercises
• Interactive participation and discussion
• Power point presentation, LCD and flip chart
• Group activities and tests
• Each participant receives a binder containing a copy of the presentation
• slides and handouts
• Post-assessment

Day 1: The Foundations of the Electricity System

• Morning Session: The Modern Energy Mix

  • Overview of Electricity Generation Technologies: Thermal (Coal, Gas, Nuclear), Hydro, and Variable Renewables (Wind, Solar PV, CSP).

  • Key Metrics: Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Capacity Factor, Efficiency, and Emissions.

• Afternoon Session: Electricity 101 & System Architecture

  • Core Concepts: AC/DC, Voltage, Frequency, and Power (Real vs. Reactive).

  • The Structure of the Grid: Generation -> Transmission -> Distribution -> Consumption.

  • Workshop: Calculate the LCOE for different power plants to compare their economic viability.

Day 2: The Engine Room: Power Generation Technologies

• Morning Session: Conventional and Baseload Power

  • Thermal Power Plants: How they work, their role, and their challenges.

  • Nuclear Power: Technology, safety, and waste considerations.

  • Hydropower: From large-scale dams to pumped storage.

• Afternoon Session: The Renewable Revolution

  • Wind Power: Onshore vs. Offshore technology and economics.

  • Solar Power: Photovoltaic (PV) systems and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP).

  • Case Study: Analyze the success factors of a leading country in renewable energy deployment.

Day 3: The Grid: Transmission, Distribution, and Modernization

• Morning Session: Moving Electricity Over Distances

  • Transmission Networks: High-voltage lines, substations, and AC/DC technology (HVDC).

  • System Operation: The role of the Independent System Operator (ISO) or Transmission System Operator (TSO).

• Afternoon Session: The “Smart Grid” and Distribution

  • Distribution Networks: The final link to consumers.

  • Grid Modernization: Smart meters, sensors, and automation for a more resilient and responsive grid.

  • Practical Exercise: Design a basic transmission route to connect a new wind farm to load centers.

Day 4: System Integration, Markets, and Balancing

• Morning Session: Managing Intermittency and Ensuring Reliability

  • The Challenge of Variable Renewables: Duck curves, overproduction, and grid stability.

  • Solutions: Energy Storage (batteries, pumped hydro), Demand Response, and Flexible Generation.

• Afternoon Session: Electricity Markets and Economics

  • How Electricity is Traded: Day-ahead, real-time, and capacity markets.

  • Pricing Mechanisms: Locational Marginal Pricing (LMP) and the value of flexibility.

  • Simulation: Participate in a simplified electricity market trading game.

Day 5: Policy, Strategy, and the Future System

• Morning Session: Policy, Regulation, and Planning

  • National Energy Policies: Targets, subsidies (e.g., FITs, auctions), and carbon pricing.

  • Integrated Resource Planning (IRP): Modeling the future energy mix.

  • The Regulatory Compact and Rate Setting.

• Afternoon Session: Capstone and Future Trends

  • Final Group Project: Develop a proposed 2040 energy mix and infrastructure strategy for a given country, justifying technology choices, major investments, and policy needs.

  • Future Trends: Green Hydrogen, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), and advanced nuclear.

  • Course Recap: Key takeaways and the path to a net-zero grid.

  • Certification of Completion.