Insights from the SOLTRAIN Train the Trainer Solar Thermal Course 2024 part 1 in Gauteng, South Africa

The recent SOLTRAIN Train the Trainer Solar Thermal Course, hosted in Gauteng, South Africa by SANEDI and led by Rudi Moschik from AEE INTEC on February 26-27, 2024, marked a significant stride in solar thermal education. With 26 participants—16 male and 10 female—from diverse roles within the energy sector, including Co-Founders, Managing Directors, ESG Analysts, Project Managers, and Energy Efficiency Experts, the event showcased a collaborative effort to advance solar thermal knowledge and skills, illustrating the industry's dedication to progress in solar thermal technologies.

Central to Work Package 2 (WP2) within the broader SOLTRAIN+ initiative, this training received enthusiastic engagement from all participants eager to deepen their understanding of solar thermal technologies. Additional sessions included Dr. Karen Surridge's insightful presentation on Solar Water Heating Investment, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of Solar Water Heater Technology, and Mr. Bhekani Ntuli's thought provoking presentation on Gender Diversity, drawing from the Gender Situational Analysis Study conducted under Work Package 5 (WP5). A highlight of the event was the prospect of collaboration between SANEDI/SOLTRAIN and the National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC), South Africa, a division of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). NCPC's expertise in renewable heating and cooling (RHC) training aligns seamlessly with SOLTRAIN's objectives, particularly in the realm of gender mainstreaming. Discussions revealed a shared interest in enhancing gender diversity within the RHC industry, signaling promising avenues for future collaboration as a "Multiplier" for WP5. Additionally, NCPC's initiative to offer free training to women in the industrial RHC sector during Women's Month in August presents a valuable opportunity for partnership, furthering efforts toward gender mainstreaming within the renewable energy landscape.

The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants underscores the value of this training in enhancing understanding of solar thermal technologies and gender mainstreaming initiatives. Their keen interest in upcoming sessions reflects a steadfast commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the renewable energy sector. The SOLTRAIN Train the Trainer Solar Thermal Course exemplifies our collective endeavour to advance solar thermal knowledge and skills. Through collaborative efforts and innovative approaches, such as gender mainstreaming initiatives, SOLTRAIN continues to spearhead progress toward sustainable energy solutions in South Africa and beyond. We extend our sincere gratitude to all participants, facilitators, and partners for their unwavering commitment to advancing renewable energy and fostering diversity within the sector.