Supporting Just Energy Transition in Nigeria through Capacity Building

Strengthening the skills of public sector officials and multipliers at both federal and state levels is essential to supporting Nigeria’s energy transition. Targeted capacity building enables effective regulation, increased renewable energy uptake, and the long-term success of energy sector reforms.

The project is in alignment with the objectives of the third phase of the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP III). NESP, implemented by the GIZ GmbH and the Federal Ministry of Power is co-funded by the European Union and the German government.

Objectives

The project aims to empower public sector, stakeholders and multipliers at both federal and state levels to actively support and drive a just energy transition in Nigeria. It seeks to build the capacity of public sector actors to understand and facilitate the shift toward sustainable energy, while also equipping public servants and multipliers with the skills needed to foster market development through improved conditions and robust policy frameworks. Ultimately, the project is designed to create lasting institutional change within the public sector, ensuring sustained support for a green, inclusive, and just transformation of Nigeria’s energy sector.

Target groups

The programme targets state-level players such as State Electricity Regulatory Commissions, State Electrification Agencies, and Ministries of Energy, federal entities including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and Rural Electrification Agency plus private sector participants like Distribution Companies.

Activities

Through targeted capacity development, public servants and multipliers will strengthen their technical, economic, and regulatory expertise in renewable energy and energy efficiency, enabling better policy design, project supervision, and regulatory oversight. The program will build on existing Capacity Needs Assessments outcome, develop tailored training material, and deliver Nigeria-specific blended learning through online courses, in-person workshops, and interactive webinars, with training materials made available for future use. These activities will also promote experience sharing among participating states and institutions.

Supported by

Client	GIZ
Countries	Nigeria
Period		2025 - 2026
Status		Current
Services	Customized Courses / Curriculum and Training Design
Expertises	Photovoltaics / Wind energy / Storage / Hydrogen & PtX

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Explore all NESP training activities and formats.

Dr. Emilienne Tingwey

Project Director

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Project Consortium

Online Training Activities

Build your expertise through self-paced online courses covering renewable energy fundamentals and advanced topics such as photovoltaics, wind energy, grid integration, energy economics, and climate protection. Participants complete 30–35 flexible learning hours across mandatory modules or take an independent 40-hour course, combining interactive materials, quizzes, and video lectures. Live webinars complement the learning experience with Nigerian case studies and practical insights.

Online Training

Introduction

Course 1: Introduction to hydrogen

Study Time: 15 hours

Core Topics

Fundamentals and energy-related properties of hydrogen
Hydrogen production technologies and fuel cell applications
Key hydrogen applications and sector coupling (Power-to-X)
Hydrogen infrastructure and system integration
Economics of hydrogen and international strategies and roadmap

Prerequisite

General understanding of energy systems recommended

Course 2: Introduction to ammonia

Study Time: 5 hours

Core Topics

Physical, chemical, and energy-related properties of ammonia
Global production, current uses, and market demand
Emerging applications of ammonia as an energy carrier and fuel
Overview of ammonia and nitrogen production technologies
Ammonia value chains and classification (“colours” of ammonia)

Prerequisite

Basic knowledge of energy concepts; hydrogen basics helpful but not required

Online Training

Study time		5 - 15 hours
Location		Online
Language		English

Online Training

Photovoltaics

Course 1: Small and medium scale PV grid-connected systems

Study Time: 24 hours

Core Topics

Policy frameworks and business models (feed-in tariffs and net metering)
Components and architecture of grid-connected PV systems
System design, sizing, and technical planning principles
Installation, commissioning, and grid connection procedures
Operation, maintenance, and practical case study of a 3 kWp PV system

Prerequisite

Basic electricity knowledge and PV fundamentals

Course 2: Planning of large-scale PV grid-connected systems – technical

Study Time: 23 hours

Core Topics

Fundamentals and technical concepts of utility-scale PV projects
Plant configurations, system components, and design approaches
Integration with energy storage systems (ESS) and green hydrogen (GH₂)
Project life cycle from development through construction to operation
Key technical considerations during development, construction, and O&M phases

Prerequisite

Electrical engineering basics and prior PV knowledge or equivalent experience

Course 3: Planning of large-scale PV grid-connected systems – non-technical

Study Time: 30 hours

Core Topics

Commercial and Financial Aspects of Large-Scale Solar Plant
Legal Aspects of Large-Scale Solar Plants
Risk Assessment and Mitigation in Large-Scale SPV Plants
Stakeholder Management and Engagement Strategies

Prerequisite

General understanding of renewable energy concepts recommended

Online Training

Study time		23 - 30 hours
Location		Online
Language		English

Online Training

Wind Energy

Course 1: Wind power – application

Study Time: 13 hours

Core Topics

Wind power applications and role in modern energy systems
Wind turbine components and operating principles
Wind resource assessment and turbine power output
Environmental aspects, repowering, and decommissioning
Economic evaluation: CAPEX, OPEX, and LCOE of wind projects

Prerequisite

Basic understanding of energy systems and the wind resource

Course 2: Wind power – technology

Study Time: 11 hours

Core Topics

Wind turbine components
Technical features and parameters
Standards and norms
Wind farm operation and maintenance (O&M)
Offshore wind energy

Prerequisite

Basic electricity, energy and engineering fundamentals recommended

Online Training

Study time		11 - 13 hours
Location		Online
Language		English

Online Training

Grid Integration of Renewables

Course 1: Energy storage – application and technology

Study Time: 23 hours

Core Topics

Fundamentals, terminology, and classification of energy storage systems
Storage technologies: mechanical, electrical, electrochemical, chemical, and thermal
Components and integration strategies within energy systems
Storage applications across power, industry, and mobility sectors
Economics of storage and competition between technologies

Prerequisite

Basic electricity and grid knowledge

Course 2: Battery Energy Storage Systems for Grid Ancillary Services

Study Time: 15 hours

Core Topics

BESS sizing for ancillary services
BESS economics in ancillary services
BESS performance

Prerequisite

Knowledge of electricity systems and basic energy storage concepts

Course 3: The integration costs of wind and solar power

Study Time: 15 hours

Core Topics

Grid costs
Balancing power costs
Effects on existing power plant utilisation
Total system cost approach

Prerequisite

Basic understanding of electricity, electric grid, renewable energy technologies and power systems

Course 4: Applied solutions for high shares of Solar-PV in low and medium voltage distribution grids

Study Time: 40 hours

Core Topics

Fundamentals of grid planning and operation with high PV penetration
Voltage stability challenges and technical mitigation solutions
Congestion management and handling of power flow constraints
Operational and organisational challenges for distribution system operators (DSOs)
Practical recommendations for integrating rooftop solar (RTS) in distribution grids

Prerequisite

Electrical engineering fundamentals and PV system knowledge

Online Training

Study time		15 - 40 hours
Location		Online
Language		English

Online Training

Economics and Financing

Course 1: Renewable Energy Project Finance

Study Time: 30 hours

Core Topics

Financing structures and available funding options for RE projects
Business planning, financial modelling, and bankability assessment
SPV structures and contract negotiation principles
Financial engineering approaches in renewable energy investments
Practical case studies from wind, PV, and biogas projects in Europe

Prerequisite

Basic understanding of renewable energy projects or finance concepts such as RE feasibility assessment and investment valuation

Course 2: Project Contracts

Study Time: 15 hours

Core Topics

Introduction to project contracts
Contractual and legal considerations in international projects
Contracts in renewable energy projects
Potential risks for investors
Requirements of financing institutions

Course 3: Renewable energy feasibility assessment and investment valuation

Study Time: 10 hours

Core Topics

Basic financial principles and concepts
Financial performance indicators
RE Projects risks and uncertainties

Prerequisite

Basic finance concepts and understanding of renewable energy technologies

Course 4: Environmental and social standards for RE projects

Study Time: 20 hours

Core Topics

The equator principles for the financial industry
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process
Content of an ESIA report
The environmental and social management plan

Prerequisite

None, renewable energy project awareness beneficial

Course 5: Power Purchase Agreements – PPAs

Study Time: 20 hours

Core Topics

Fundamentals, objectives, and market drivers of PPAs
PPA models, pricing mechanisms, and volume structures
Institutional and regulatory requirements for PPA implementation
Risk allocation and impact of PPAs on project bankability
Contractual structures and real-world PPA case studies

Prerequisite

Basic knowledge of renewable energy project structures or electricity markets

Online Training

Study time		10 - 30 hours
Location		Online
Language		English

Online Training

Climate Protection

Course 1: Climate finance – Navigating the global landscape

Study Time: 8 hours

Core Topics

Definitions of climate finance
Politics and governance of climate finance
Global landscape of climate finance
Frameworks for climate action to mobilize finance
Measurement, Reporting and Verification

Prerequisite

General understanding of climate or energy policy recommended as well as a basic understanding of clean energy projects (technical and financial)

Course 2: Climate finance – Accessing and mobilising climate finance

Study Time: 8 hours

Core Topics

Principles of climate finance
Multilateral climate finance sources and mechanisms
Bilateral climate finance sources and mechanisms
Domestic climate finance sources and mechanisms
Private financing in climate finance

Prerequisite

Basic understanding of clean energy projects (technical and financial) and Introductory knowledge of climate finance concepts

Online Training

Study time		8 hours
Location		Online
Language		English

In-Person Training Activities

Take part in one of four five-day, hands-on trainings on small- and medium-scale grid-connected PV systems. The programme combines technical instruction with practical exercises and a site visit to a solar PV installation in Nigeria. Trainings will be held in Enugu, Kano, Lagos, and Abuja, equipping professionals with the skills to design, install, and manage PV systems that support Nigeria’s clean energy transition.

In-Person training

Small and Medium-Scale Grid-Connected PV Systems – Coming Soon

It combines technical learning with real-world application, equipping participants with the skills needed to confidently plan, install, and manage grid-connected PV systems.

During the training, participants will be exposed to:

Feed-in tariffs and net metering
Grid-connected PV system components
Design and sizing of grid-connected PV systems
Installation of grid-connected PV systems
Commissioning of grid-connected PV systems
Operation and maintenance of grid-connected systems
Site visit to a grid-connected System, Nigeria

In-Person

Duration		5 days
Location		Nigeria
Language		English

Application

The application phase will come soon. Stay tuned here.

NESP Training Application

Join our upcoming training series from April 1 to June 30, 2026, offering both online and in-person sessions. Designed for professionals advancing Nigeria’s energy transition, these expert-led activities provide practical knowledge and skills to foster real impact in the sector.

Apply now

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