An-Najah National University (ANNU), a partner of the EU-funded CERES project, has launched a specialised Energy Economics Training Programme aimed at strengthening students’ knowledge and practical skills in the economic analysis of energy projects and investment decisions.
The training is delivered within the framework of the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Solutions (CESS) at An-Najah National University, established through the CERES project to support skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable energy solutions in Palestine.
Developing Skills in Energy Economics
The opening session introduced participants to fundamental concepts in Energy Economics, with a focus on the economic principles that support decision-making in energy and engineering projects.
Participants explored the time value of money, cash flow analysis, economic equivalence, interest rates, simple and compound interest, and the Minimum Attractive Rate of Return (MARR). The session also highlighted the role of feasibility studies in assessing the economic viability of energy projects before implementation.
Through practical examples, participants examined different energy alternatives, including electricity from the grid, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, diesel generators, and hybrid energy solutions. These examples demonstrated how technical and economic criteria can be combined to identify the most appropriate solution for a specific project.
From Energy Concepts to Practical Decisions
The training places strong emphasis on applying Energy Economics concepts to real-world situations. Participants discussed investment costs, revenues, expenditures, investment recovery, and cash flows over the lifetime of an energy project.
The session also introduced sensitivity analysis and demonstrated how changes in key variables, such as electricity prices, can influence the feasibility and expected performance of an energy investment.
Participants actively contributed to the session through questions, discussions, and practical examples, helping connect theoretical concepts with real energy challenges.
Encouraging Sustainable Energy Projects and Entrepreneurship
Beyond economic calculations, the training encourages participants to explore energy-related project ideas and assess their potential through financial and feasibility analysis.
As the programme progresses, participants will apply the concepts introduced during the training using practical exercises and spreadsheet-based calculations. They will also be encouraged to develop project ideas and prepare preliminary cash flow analyses and feasibility studies.
This approach aims to strengthen students’ ability to evaluate energy investments while encouraging entrepreneurial thinking and the development of innovative and sustainable project solutions.
Contributing to the CERES Project
The Energy Economics Training contributes to the objectives of CERES – Centres of Excellence for Resilient Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Solutions, a project co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme.
Through its Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Solutions, An-Najah National University is developing training opportunities that connect academic knowledge with practical skills, renewable energy applications, entrepreneurship, and emerging labour market needs.
By strengthening capabilities in Energy Economics, the programme contributes to developing a new generation of professionals who can evaluate energy projects from both technical and economic perspectives and support the transition towards more sustainable and resilient energy systems in Palestine and the wider Mediterranean region.
Excerpt: An-Najah National University has launched an Energy Economics training programme under the CERES project, equipping students with practical skills in energy investment, feasibility studies, and sustainable project decision-making.
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