From Climate Vulnerable to Renewable Empowered Leadership: A Briefer on the RE Talent Project

In 2023, People of Asia for Climate Solutions (PACS) launched the FREE (Future Renewable Energy Engineer) program, in collaboration with communities impacted by the climate crisis in climate-vulnerable countries, China’s leading renewable energy educational institutions,and China’s RE industry. The program provides students from climate-vulnerable communities with a life-changing opportunity with sponsored education, including vocational training, and graduate and postgraduate studying in the fields of climate and energy. It aims to nurture and develop a strong network of young professionals who will lead their communities and countries out of fear of climate impacts into a sustainable renewable energy future.

Equipped with climate knowledge, RE expertise, industry skills, and vital business and political connections, these students will be the next generation of RE engineers, entrepreneurs, researchers, advocates, policymakers, and climate diplomats.

Project Objectives:

1. Train and empower over 200 renewable energy talents from climate-vulnerable countries to drive energy transition in their home nations and contribute to global RE acceleration.

2. Establish channels for technology and knowledge transfer, fostering climate diplomacy between China and climate-vulnerable countries.

Since its launch, we have successfully sent 2 batches of over 30 students from the Philippines to China’s Jiuquan Vocational and Technical University (JVTU) and we are currently preparing more students from Southeast Asia and Africa to go to more such universities in China.

Context description:

China’s rapid RE growth has positioned it as a global leader in the sector. With top-tier universities, R&D centers, and government-backed green education initiatives, China is prepared to share its expertise. However, many students in climate-vulnerable regions lack access to necessary information and financial support. The RE Talent Project addresses these gaps, enabling students to pursue RE education and careers with minimal financial burden, estimated at USD 1,500 per year per student.

Pilot Success & Expansion: In 2023, PACS launched a pilot program, sending 18 Filipino students to Jiuquan Vocational Technology College (JVTC) in China’s RE hub, Gansu Province. The initiative received significant media attention, leading to increased interest from Chinese universities and RE companies.

Conclusion: The RE Talent Project presents a transformative opportunity to develop a skilled RE workforce in climate-vulnerable nations, bridging the gap between talent and o opportunity. With PACS at the helm, this initiative ensures that young professionals not only secure their futures but also contribute to a global clean energy transition.

Project partners under PACS coordination:

-Chinese universities: JVTC, North China Electricity University, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi Agriculture University, Jilin Agriculture University etc.

- Chinese RE companies: Gold Wind, Envision Group, Yingli Energy, Longi Energy, etc. Government and embassies via Climate Vulnerable Forum and V20;

- NGOs: 350.org, New Energy Nexus, APMDD, TrendAsia, Renewables First in Pakistan, etc.

- Media: China Energy News, China Environmental News, China Daily, Xinhua, CGTN, China Dialogue, etc.

Other references (media coverage):

- Business Mirror: Pinoy students to train in China as renewable energy engineers

-China Dialogue: The young Filipinos studying clean energy in China, 中国为菲律宾可再生能源“造血”

- Xinhua: Feature: Super typhoon Haiyan's victims in Philippines eye for renewable energy

- The Paper (澎湃): 菲律宾留学生在甘肃：“一带一路”上的绿色人才培养