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Entura farewells international delegation and concludes renewable energy training

28 November, 2024

After a hectic two weeks in Melbourne, the Entura clean energy and water institute (ECEWI) bade farewell to 18 executives from Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) supported training was provided as part of the South Asia Regional Infrastructure Connectivity (SARIC) initiative implemented by the World Bank, IFC and Palladium.

Networking and establishing mutually beneficial cross-country relationships are a key component of the SARIC initiative. This is a much-anticipated highlight for the delegates, and we certainly didn’t disappoint.  ECEWI held an introductory networking event which included a ‘speed networking’ ice-breaker and an introduction from a representative from each of the seven countries.

ECEWI’s program covered key renewable energy topics including wind, solar, batteries, grid connection, hybrid systems, policy, and finance and commercial. There were six classroom days, including a day with Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), and four site visits to operating assets including King Island.

The sessions were delivered by Entura’s most experienced renewable energy specialists, as well as guests from AEMO, Hydro Tasmania, Momentum Energy, Pentagreen Capital, Marsden Jacob Associates and a SARIC alumnus.

“While classroom work is important, there is nothing better to reinforce learnings than to be in the field, seeing and talking with the people that are making renewable energy a growing part of Australia’s energy solution,” said ECEWI’s Program Coordinator, Leesa deGroot.

“Everyone who was involved with this event went above and beyond our expectations, generously giving their time, expertise and insights. We couldn’t have delivered such a successful course without their help,” she said.

Amanda Ashworth, Entura’s Managing Director, added, “I have been amazed at the power of the connections made in these programs and have no doubt that there will be more great stories arising from the wonderful group of committed participants.  It’s SARIC’s plan to encourage connectivity between the countries physically and through relationships. The power of the combination of capability training and interpersonal interactions came to the forefront recently when our alumni from 3 countries were involved in a landmark cross-national power agreement between Bangladesh and Nepal using Indian transmission infrastructure. 

Renewable energy is such a dynamic market – and this timely training exposes participants to learn and grow to shape not just their own futures, but also the future of their country and the region.”