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CourseEnergy and Networks Applications open

Rural Microgrids with Renewables Course

Online 300 h course in rural microgrids with renewables. 6 modules covering IEC TS 62257 (renewable systems for rural electrification), IEEE 2030.7 (microgrid controllers) and HOMER Pro. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Assess the energy demand of rural communities without grid access.

02

Size microgrids with solar, small hydro, wind and storage.

03

Design the distribution network and control systems of the mini-grid.

04

Define sustainable and affordable management models and tariffs.

05

Identify sources of funding and measure social impact.

06

Analyse real-world mini-grid experiences in different contexts.

07

Develop the project for a rural microgrid with renewables.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Rural electrification engineer who wants to specialise in Rural Microgrids with Renewables.
  • Energy cooperation technician who wants to specialise in Rural Microgrids with Renewables.
  • Mini-grid designer who wants to specialise in Rural Microgrids with Renewables.
  • Development project manager who wants to specialise in Rural Microgrids with Renewables.
  • Energy access consultant who wants to specialise in Rural Microgrids with Renewables.
  • Microgrid operations technician who wants to specialise in Rural Microgrids with Renewables.
  • Graduates in engineering or science who want to enter international cooperation.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • IEC TS 62257 (renewable systems for rural electrification)
  • IEEE 2030.7 (microgrid controllers)
  • IEC TS 62898-1 (microgrid planning)
  • IEEE 1562 (sizing of standalone photovoltaic systems)
  • IEC 61427-1 (batteries for standalone photovoltaic systems)
  • IEC 62109-1 (converter safety)
  • IEC 62446-1 (photovoltaic system testing)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1SDG 7 and access to electricity
  2. 1.2Standalone electrification versus grid extension
  3. 1.3Needs of rural communities
  4. 1.4Productive uses of electricity
  5. 1.5Demand assessment
  6. 1.6Socio-economic surveys in the field
  7. 1.7Rural load profiles
  8. 1.8Demand growth
  9. 1.9Classification of mini-grids
  10. 1.10Case study: energy diagnosis of a village
  1. 2.1Solar resource assessment
  2. 2.2Small hydro developments
  3. 2.3Small-scale wind turbines
  4. 2.4Local biomass gasification
  5. 2.5Battery sizing
  6. 2.6Standby diesel generators
  7. 2.7Optimisation of the mix
  8. 2.8Loss of load probability
  9. 2.9LCOE of mini-grids
  10. 2.10Laboratory: optimisation in HOMER Pro
  1. 3.1AC, DC and hybrid architectures
  2. 3.2Grid-forming inverter-chargers
  3. 3.3Low-voltage distribution network
  4. 3.4Prepaid meters
  5. 3.5Protection and earthing
  6. 3.6Remote monitoring and telecontrol
  7. 3.7Robustness against extreme weather
  8. 3.8Equipment standardisation
  9. 3.9Future grid connection
  10. 3.10Practical: layout of the distribution network
  1. 4.1Community management models
  2. 4.2Concessions to private operators
  3. 4.3Tariffs and affordability
  4. 4.4Mobile pay-as-you-go
  5. 4.5Connection subsidies
  6. 4.6Maintenance by local technicians
  7. 4.7Technical training of the community
  8. 4.8Sustainability indicators
  9. 4.9Causes of failure
  10. 4.10Workshop: tariff design for a mini-grid
  1. 5.1Sources of funding
  2. 5.2Multilateral development bank financing
  3. 5.3Results-based financing
  4. 5.4Social and gender impact
  5. 5.5Environmental and social assessment
  6. 5.6Cases in Africa
  7. 5.7Cases in Latin America
  8. 5.8Rural microgrids in Europe
  9. 5.9Lessons learned from projects
  10. 5.10Case study: solar mini-grid in Nigeria
  1. 6.1Selection of the target community
  2. 6.2Demand estimation
  3. 6.3Resource assessment
  4. 6.4Optimal system sizing
  5. 6.5Network design
  6. 6.6Management model
  7. 6.7Financial and tariff plan
  8. 6.8Expected social impact
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is HOMER Pro, PVsyst, RETScreen, QGIS, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures for demand estimation through surveys, optimal sizing of mini-grids, tariff design and management models. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with a rotor test bench, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented final project:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operating limits.
Industry mentoring:lecturers with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Selection of the target community

Assess the energy demand of rural communities without grid access.

Demand estimation

Size microgrids with solar, small hydro, wind and storage.

Resource assessment

Design the distribution network and control systems of the mini-grid.

Optimal system sizing

Define sustainable and affordable management models and tariffs.

Network design

Identify sources of funding and measure social impact.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Rural electrification engineerEnergy cooperation technicianMini-grid designerDevelopment project managerEnergy access consultantMicrogrid operations technician
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior degree is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards reading.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours a week on average, compatible with a full-time job.

The course uses HOMER Pro, PVsyst, RETScreen and QGIS. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

A SEIUM Institute diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is an in-house programme, not an official qualification from the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.

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