After the success of the first Youth Energy Academy in 2019, the Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT-RRCAP) and the Sustainable Energy Youth Network (SEYN), with the support of the Regional Project Energy Security and Climate Change Asia-Pacific of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS-RECAP) are hosting a second edition in 2020.
Due to travel restrictions laid out in response to the covid-19 Pandemic, this year’s edition will be held virtually. Despite the challenges, the YEA organizing team will strive to deliver a unique and engaging programme.
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Background​
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Communities and cities in Asia are already experiencing the consequences of climate change. Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all needs a faster and more inclusive energy transition. With a growing population, higher energy demand and increasingly harsher climate change impacts, Asia needs to focus more on decentralized renewable energy (DRE) approaches. DRE provides crosscutting benefits, including providing energy to the many millions of people that still lack access, especially in rural and inaccessible areas such as small islands, while also offering possibilities for community development.
The challenges, the scale of changes required, and the potential benefits of more citizen participation call for different forms of engagement from the individual to collective levels. The Youth Energy Academy explores these opportunities, highlighting the new role of the “prosumer” (producer + consumer), renewable energy community groups and cooperatives, entrepreneurship, and others, from practical perspective.
Young people have a crucial stake in the future. For their energy and creativity, there is great potential in involving young women and men in the energy transition, regardless of their background, educational or professional path. In efforts to address the gender gap in energy issues, we encourage young women to apply.
Check out last year's video!
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Objectives
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The Youth Energy Academy aims to build on and improve the first edition by increasing the implementation potential of projects and foster replicability across the region. More specifically the Virtual YEA aims to:
1. Raise awareness about the need to shift to DRE approaches and the role of citizens in this transition.
2. Promote the involvement of young people in DRE by sharing inspiring stories and projects led by other young people.
3. Equip young people with the hard and soft skills and tools to design, organize and build small scale sustainable energy projects.
4. Foster leadership, entrepreneurship and a “can-do” attitude, by encouraging young people to develop and apply skills in developing projects in their communities.
5. Increase potential of project idea implementation after the Academy.
6. Promote the replication and ripple effect across the region by equipping YEA alumni to train other people in small scale, decentralized renewable energy approaches.
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Date and Format​
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The V-YEA will take place virtually between 28 September and 4 October 2020, through the Zoom platform, DIY videos, virtual tours, and other digital means. We are also planning some interesting options to keep the dynamics and the irreplaceable human contact, read on!
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The programme​
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The 7-day Virtual Academy will include:
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Theoretical sessions (max. 120 min a day) with key experts following daily themes.
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Day 1 The Energy Trilemma
Climate Change, Energy Access, and Development
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Day 2 Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE)
Technologies in addressing the Energy Trilemma
Day 3 People Power
The role of individuals & communities in DRE: Examples from the region
Day 4 DRE on the ground
Virtual field trip to a DRE project
Day 5 Social Business
The role of social entrepreneurship models for renewable energy
Day 6 Mobilizing resources
Sources of funding for CRE and tips for drafting quality project proposals
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Day 7 From idea to reality
Lessons learned from CRE Project Implementation: drivers & barriers for success
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Practical sessions including basic DIY workshops by trainers (video recordings and live sessions), group work on various topics covered in the theoretical sessions, exercises and feedback from trainers and experts.
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Guided virtual tours, to sites showcasing decentralised renewable energy technologies and applications in Thailand.
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The approach
The Academy will use participative, non-formal, and empowering methods aiming to boost creativity and inspire action. The cases and examples shown will come from knowledgeable, like-minded people, while also being realistic by illustrating the many challenges that are inherent to all projects.
The theoretical sessions over Zoom will use interactive presentations, case studies, group discussions and exercises, where teams will work simultaneously with the support of facilitators and trainers.
The practical sessions will give participants the opportunity to build their own simple energy systems using "Do-it-Yourself" (DIY) and "Do-it-Together" (DIT) approaches, appropriate technology and open source available designs. Teams will rely on the remote guidance of experienced SEYN trainers and whenever possible on in-person support of YEA mentors in their respective countries.
The virtual tours aim to serve a proxy for field visits in order for participants to gain insights on renewable energy technologies and real-life examples of technology applications in communities.
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Target Participants​
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The Virtual YEA will target teams of 2-5 people from South and Southeast Asia, ideally with a concrete project idea to be developed during the training. The team members do not necessarily have to be from the same nationality, as long as the geographical scope or the project idea is the same.
Selected teams will be asked to work together on-site during practical sessions and therefore should plan to demonstrate their ability to meet for the duration of the program.
The selection panel will look for gender balance and diversity of expertise and backgrounds, combining participants with engineering and energy backgrounds, experience with community work, business, project management skills, etc.
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The programme is free of charge. Besides the live sessions and dedicated videos, participants will receive the full support of the team of trainers and YEA mentors during the entire week. Materials and basic tools for the energy system will be provided by AIT-RRCAP to each team, though teams are also expected to play an active role in sourcing and reclaiming used materials.
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Application Requirements
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Teams of 2 to 5 people, ideally with a project idea under the themes of the Academy
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A Focal Point in charge of compiling the application and liaising with V-YEA Organizers if selected
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18 to 35 years of age
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Nationals of South and Southeast Asian countries
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English proficiency
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Passion about sustainability, renewable energy, community development, entrepreneurship, climate action, or related topics
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Commitment to actively participate and attend the entire programme
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Note: Previous YEA applicants and alumni will be considered, as long as they apply as part of a team. Once again, women will be strongly encouraged to apply.
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Application Process
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Read the info above and the FAQs
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Download the Team Summary Form template here, fill it in with each member's info and save it as "name of the focal point_Country" (example: John Doe_Thailand)
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The Team's Focal point complete and submit the online form, including the Team Summary Form by 5 August, 2020 (23:59 ICT)
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Note:
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Only complete team applications submitted through the online form will be considered.
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A minimum of 2 members is required. Additional members could join the team if selected (up to a maximum of 5 people).
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Submission for Team's motivations as part of the form can be done via a short video instead of written answers. Get creative!
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For more information on the application process please read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Partners
Virtual YEA
28 September - 4 October 2020
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Youth from which countries are eligible to apply for the Youth Energy Academy 2022?This year, YEA is welcoming applications by youth who are nationals of South or Southeast Asia and reside in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
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Is there a fee for the YEA?No. If selected, the YEA will cover travel, accommodation and lodging, and training materials for the duration of the programme.
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I am national of one of the countries listed above, but I do not live there. Can I still apply for a full scholarship?"Travel expenses to/from Thailand for participants outside of Southeast Asia will not be covered by YEA. Priority will be given to candidates currently residing in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and VietNam. However, the selection panel will also consider other aspects mentioned in the application form, including the potential to apply the skills acquired in a local community.
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I am the focal person for my team. What do I need to do?The focal person will be the point of contact between the YEA organizers and your team before and during the YEA. Focal persons are usually responsible to ensuring that the team application is completed and submitted. We encourage all team members to work collaboratively.
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I am a student at AIT. Can I apply?Yes; we encourage current AIT students to apply to YEA! While a regional programme, YEA aims to engage AIT students, faculty, and alumni, and other community members.
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I have no experience with renewable energy and I don’t even know exactly how electricity works. Can I still apply?Absolutely! YEA aims to be as inclusive as possible, and requires no prior knowledge or experience in the subjects covered. If selected, you just need to bring an interest to learn and participate actively in all sessions.
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I have studied energy and have previous knowledge about electricity. Is this course still relevant for me?Yes! The approach used in the YEA is quite different from traditional academic courses. Previous YEA participants with energy and/or engineering backgrounds report finding the sessions interesting and useful. The uniqueness of the YEA lies in the diversity and richness brought by participants.
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What’s included in the scholarship?The YEA will cover all training-related costs including materials, travel, on-campus accommodation in shared double rooms, and meals are covered. Accommodation will not be included for selected participants that are currently enrolled and residing in AIT or Pathum Thani. The YEA does not cover any visa, insurance, or other health-related expenses, including those related to covid-19 (i.e., tests, medical certificates, insurance, hospitalization, medication, etc.).
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What topics will be covered at the YEA?Following a balanced ratio of theoretical and practical sessions, YEA will cover a variety of topics related to the renewable energy transition and the role of decentralized and community-driven solutions. Sessions include solar technologies and applications, renewable energy policy considerations, community-based initiatives and models, social entrepreneurship, project financing, an introduction to electricity and energy systems, solar system design, among others. YEA is tailored to a Southeast Asian context, while focusing on many aspects related to the renewable energy transition and the role of decentralized renewable energy, its role in climate mitigation, and mostly its positive impacts in community development and resilience.
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When and how will the selected participants be notified?Selected teams for the YEA 2022 will be notified in September via email. Please refrain from spontaneously contacting the organizers about the status of applications.
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What do I need to keep in mind regarding travel requirements to and from Thailand in light of COVID-19?As of July 1, 2022, Thailand only requires a certificate of vaccination or an RT-PCR / Professional ATK COVID-19 test result issued within 72 hours before departure in order to enter the country. For the latest updates, visit https://tp.consular.go.th/ Selected participants travelling to from other Southeast Asian countries are strongly encourage to keep in mind any requirements to reenter after visiting Thailand.
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I cannot find an answer to my question; who should I contact?Please email us energy.academy@rrcap.ait.ac.th You may also contact the Climate Change team at AIT-RRC.AP: +66 02 516 2124