CAPACITY BUILDING OF RENEWABLE ENERGY EDUCATION

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to point out the need for renewable energy education in Ghana and to study the possibilities of education export from Finland. Ghana was chosen as the target country based on personal and professional interest. Ghana is currently facing a severe energy shortage due to inefficient energy resources and growing consumption. In order for new energy technologies to work education is needed. BioSampo, a vocational education provider from Kouvola, was chosen as a case subject to review the possibilities of education export from Finland. The information in this thesis was discovered through interviews with the manager of Atlas Business and Energy System Limited (ABES) and the head of BioSampo Training and Research Centre. Various research papers and internet sources were also consulted. The results of the study indicate that the demand for renewable energy education in Ghana is high. The government’s target is to include new renewable energy technologies to the energy mix. In result the demand for education increases drastically. A remarkable amount of barriers to the dissemination of renewable energy technologies may be overcome if the potential stake holders are made energy conscious by providing them all the relevant information about various issues involved. In addition the results indicate that education export from Finland has huge potential. Finland has an excellent selection of educational programs, renewable energy being one of them. The analysis of the case study deepens the understanding of the education export. Based on the information obtained, it is advisable for Finnish educational institutions to turn their focus on Ghana in the education export market.