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Renewable Energy Fundamentals for Industry Professionals

This comprehensive three-day course is designed for engineers, scientists, project managers, decision-makers, and business owners seeking a practical understanding of renewable energy technologies, system design, and project economics. Participants will explore current global and Australian renewable energy trends, renewable energy system design, energy storage, hydrogen, and transport applications, while gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and technologies.

Key focus areas

  • Renewable energy technologies and applications
  • Solar PV system design in accordance with Australian Standards
  • Renewable energy system modelling using HOMER Pro software
  • Economic and financial evaluation of renewable energy projects
  • Energy storage technologies and hydrogen energy systems
  • Renewable energy applications in transportation

What will you learn

Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:

  • Explain the role of renewable energy technologies in the transition to a sustainable energy future
  • Apply renewable energy system design principles in compliance with relevant Australian Standards
  • Use simulation tools to assess renewable energy system performance
  • Evaluate the economic viability of renewable energy projects using key financial indicators
  • Understand emerging developments in energy storage, hydrogen, and electric transport systems

Course details

Dates: 2027 (to be advised)
Time: TBA
Mode: Face-to-Face
Location: ECU Joondalup campus
Cost: $3,190 including GST (includes morning tea, afternoon tea, and lunch)
Discounts are available for ECU students, alumni, and group bookings from the same organisation.

Please note: A minimum of two participants is required for the course to proceed.

Course content

Setting the Scene

  • Overview of renewable energy technologies and their role in addressing energy security, climate change, and sustainable development
  • Comparison of renewable and conventional energy generation technologies
  • Commercial status of key renewable technologies, including hydro, wind, and solar PV

Global, Australian and Western Australian Renewable Energy Trends

  • Investment trends and market developments
  • Renewable energy targets, policies, regulations, and industry drivers

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technology

  • Fundamentals of PV cells, modules, and arrays
  • Types of solar PV systems and project applications
  • Opportunities and challenges associated with increasing PV adoption

Solar PV Case Studies

  • Emerging applications of solar PV technology
  • Review of major solar PV projects in Australia and internationally

Practical Laboratory Session

  • Hands-on solar PV power conversion investigation using ECU’s state-of-the-art laboratory facilities

Solar PV System Design

  • Design methodology for renewable energy systems
  • Load estimation, battery sizing, solar resource assessment, and PV array sizing
  • Design of grid-connected, stand-alone, and hybrid systems
  • Australian Standards and grid connection requirements

Simulation and Modelling Tools

  • Overview of solar PV design software
  • Step-by-step solar PV system design using HOMER Pro simulation software

Financial Analysis of Renewable Energy Projects

  • Simple Payback Period (SPBP)
  • Net Present Value (NPV)
  • Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
  • Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE)
  • Financial assessment case studies and project financing models

Energy Storage Systems

  • Overview of current and emerging energy storage technologies
  • Benefits, applications, and future developments

Renewable Energy and Hydrogen

  • Hydrogen production pathways and economics
  • Grey and green hydrogen
  • Current large-scale hydrogen projects and investment trends

Renewable Energy and Transportation

  • Biofuels and electrification pathways
  • Electric vehicle (EV) technologies and infrastructure requirements
  • Impacts of EV charging on electricity networks

Refunds and Transfers

Participants who are unable to attend may be eligible for a refund or transfer at ECU's discretion where they:

  • Notify ECU in writing at least 30 days before the course commencement date; or
  • Provide evidence of a medical condition preventing attendance.

Approved refunds will be processed within 30 days. Fees are otherwise non-refundable for non-attendance on the scheduled course date.

Further information

For enquiries or to register your interest, please contact Paul Roach p.roach@ecu.edu.au

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