Pro Green Deal for Smart Cities

Schedule: July 15th - August 8th 2024

Format: Online/Offline

Time commitment: 

4-8 hours/week, with 4-5 hours of Energy English courses, deep dive sessions into Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, and mentorship.

Language: English (with translation option to Ukrainian)

Admissions: the participants will be selected by the selection committee, based on the results of the application form and interview (held in Ukrainian) regional energy, climate, and environment advisors in mayor`s offices from medium-sized Ukrainian
and Moldova cities will be eligible to apply for this scholarship

Scholarship: up to 25 selected applicants will win a scholarship

Application Deadline:  30 April 2024

The program consists of:

• 35% Online live modules and expert panels by EU and Ukrainian experts, including intensive individual and peer learning sessions on Energy and Climate Policies, Renewable Policies in the EU and Ukraine, and Data for Local Communities.
• 20% Lviv in-person summer school, consisting of four online live modules on the Energy Transition, Digitalization and New Technologies, Distribution Networks and Renewable Energy, and Energy Efficiency, Buildings and District Heating, offered by the Florence School of Regulation (FSR).
• 45% Online group project with tailored Ukrainian mentorship and coaching from energy experts from the Kyiv School of Energy Policy (KSEP).
• 100% Energy Speaking Clubs in English will be held throughout the program.

These sessions will cover the main topics of the course, focusing on the terminology needed to understand EU climate and energy policies.

Part І: July 15th - July 20th: Introductory (online)

• Welcoming session: introductions from participants and convenors, setting expectations and providing an overview of the program, reading materials, and homework assignments.
• Session 1: Energy and Climate Policies: exploring main goals and strategies, focusing on the vocabulary needed to understand the EU's climate and energy policy.
• Session 2: Renewable Policies in the EU and Ukraine, highlighting current trends and future directions in solar and wind energy sectors, discussing strategies, policies, and measures to enhance energy use.
• Sessions 3: Data for Local Communities, emphasizing the importance of data in planning, monitoring, and evaluating energy projects, followed by a presentation of the project assignment.

Part ІІ: July 22nd – July 25th: Lviv Summer School (offline)

• FSR Module 1: The Energy Transition and the Role of Local Communities, including governance and regulation, complemented by group work to apply these concepts.
• FSR Module 2: Digitalization and New Technologies, offering insights into the impact of digital tools on energy management. Practical visit to the City of Lviv for discussions with local energy and climate advisors.
• FSR Module 3: Distribution Networks and Renewable Energy. Participants will also be introduced to the "My Clean City Now" plan, emphasizing project development.
• FSR Module 4: Energy Efficiency, Buildings, and District Heating, discussion
  on the summer school's insights and a formal wrap-up before departure.

Part ІІІ: July 29th – August 8th: Elaborating Smart City Project (online)

• Expert discussions on funding opportunities and on twinning.
• Individual project work with the support of the convenors, enabling participants to apply the concepts learnt and develop their initiatives.
• Submission of individual project work, culminating the practical part of the program.Presentations of 10 selected projects for plenary discussion, sharing
  insights and outcomes.
• Final examination, feedback session, and the distribution of certificates,
  concluding the comprehensive learning experience.

• After successfully completing our comprehensive program, participants will be awarded a Green Deal Ukraїna certificate, jointly delivered by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), Kyiv School of Energy Policy (KSEP), and the Florence School of Regulation (FSR).
• Participants will leave with a concrete deliverable, such as a resilient proposal of an energy plan or a grant proposal, to implement in their local community.
• Participants will gain a robust network of energy experts through an active alumni network and in-person events, like the Green Deal Ukraїna annual high-level policy event held in Kyiv.
• Finally, participants will become valued members of our community and will receive exclusive invitations to participate in various activities hosted by these esteemed institutions.

Current (or future) regional energy, climate, and environment advisors in mayor's offices from medium-sized Ukrainian and Moldova cities, ranging from 200,000 to 700,000 inhabitants.

We are looking for groups of energy advisors from the regions of Ivano-Frankivsk, Zhytomyr, Chernihiv, Chernivtsi, Lviv.

We are looking for someone who has a clear vision of why they wish to participate in the program and what they plan to get out of it.

Please note that only a limited number of participants will be admitted. Applicants must submit the following document with their registration form:

Short CV (max. 2 pages)

Application documents must be submitted through the google form. Any application material sent over email will not be considered.

The selection process will consist of two steps:

• The selection committee will review applications to identify eligible candidates.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed in the first week of May and undergo interviews from the 7th - 9th of May.
• Following the interviews, participants will be selected and notified via email by mid-May

For this reason, we ask that all applicants be prepared to have a 15-minute interview during those days.

Feedback from last year’s participants

"The summer module in Ivano-Frankivsk and the site visits were incredibly valuable. The opportunity to network and exchange practical experiences in an offline format greatly enhanced the learning process. I would definitely recommend this course to my colleagues."

"The live sessions, discussions, and practical exchanges were the highlights for me. The timing of some sessions could be improved, but overall, everything was well-organized. I believe this course is a must for anyone in the energy sector."

"The webinars with experts were particularly beneficial. Although the course took place in July, which is not the best timing for me, the content and delivery were excellent. I would highly recommend this course to others."

"The offline camp was a unique experience that provided me with new connections and deep insights into energy policy. It was an enriching experience, and I would encourage my peers to participate."

"All the sessions and webinars were valuable for me. The course was conducted at a very high level, and I believe it will have a lasting impact on my professional growth. I wholeheartedly recommend this program."