Jesuit Universities Engaging in City Energy Transition

Online Discussion on Oct.5, 3-430pm (Manila time) via Zoom and FB Live

Faculty, students, and alums of Jesuit Universities are invited to this free online Brown Bag Discussion.

Energy Transition Policy Fellowship is Open for 2023-2025

Are you a business, finance, economics, or engineering undergraduate or a graduate student pursuing an MBA, MPA or other related degrees at a Jesuit University? Are you passionate about renewable energy, sustainability, and the intersection of technology and finance? If so, the Energy Transition Policy Fellowship Program offered by the Social Finance Lab is the perfect opportunity for you!

 About the Fellowship Program

The Energy Transition Policy Fellowship Program is a unique opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to gain hands-on experience in the growing field of social finance as applied in distributed energy services. As an Energy Transition Policy Fellow, you will have the chance to work on real-world projects, conduct research, and contribute to the advancement of the energy transition policy mix at the national and sub-national levels.  

Distributed and Centralized Power Generation Systems

Distributed Energy Services Companies (DESCO) is a category of solutions providers of innovative distributed energy solutions that aim to revolutionize the energy sector. Energy Transition Policy Fellows are encouraged to explore distributed renewable energy solutions as well as more centralized renewable energy solution. We believe in a future where sustainable and clean energy is accessible to everyone. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and finance models, DESCO aims to create localized energy systems that are reliable, resilient, and environmentally friendly.

Program Highlights

• Meaningful Projects: As an Energy Transition Policy Fellow, you will work on exciting and impactful projects related to distributed energy services. These projects can range from conducting market research to developing financial models, designing renewable energy systems, or analyzing policy frameworks.

• Mentorship: You will be guided by experienced professionals from different disciplines. They will provide guidance, support, and expertise to help you succeed in your projects and personal development.

• Networking Opportunities: The fellowship program offers numerous networking opportunities with industry leaders, policymakers, and peers in the Fellowship program. You will have the chance to attend events where you can learn from experts in the field and expand your professional network.

• Academic Integration: Energy Transition Policy Fellows have the unique opportunity to align their fellowship projects with their academic coursework. You can use your fellowship experience to fulfill research requirements, capstone projects, or thesis work, allowing you to gain practical experience while advancing your academic goals.

• Impactful Results: By the end of the fellowship program, you will have tangible outcomes that contribute to the growth of the DESCO market. Your work will help accelerate the transition to clean energy and pave the way for a sustainable future.

How to Apply

To apply for the Energy Transition Policy Fellowship Program, please visit our website and complete the online application form. You will be required to submit your resume, academic transcripts, a statement of interest, and any relevant academic or professional references.

Eligibility

• Undergraduate students pursuing a degree in business, finance, economics, or engineering or Graduate students enrolled in an MBA, MPA, social sciences, or disciplines related to climate action.

• Interest in renewable energy, finance, or sustainability.

Possible Research Topics

Below are some research areas. Fellows need not be limited to these themes. 

1.Assessing the Impact of Energy Transition Policies on Low-Income Households in Metro Manila

Analyzing the socio-economic implications of energy transition policies on marginalized communities in the capital city.

2.The Role of Philippine Universities in Advancing Energy Equity

Investigating how universities can contribute to energy access for low-income households through research, education, and community engagement.

3.Community-Based Renewable Energy Projects in Rural Provinces

Examining the effectiveness of community-driven renewable energy initiatives in addressing energy poverty in rural areas.

4.Cooperative Models for Energy Access in Island Provinces

Evaluating the role of energy cooperatives in providing affordable and sustainable energy solutions in island communities.

5.Civil Society Organizations and Advocacy for Energy Equity

Assessing the influence of civil society groups in shaping energy policies that benefit marginalized populations.

6.People's Organizations and Participatory Energy Decision-Making

Investigating how grassroots organizations can participate in energy planning and governance.

7.Health Impacts of Energy Poverty in Urban Informal Settlements

Exploring the link between energy access and health outcomes in informal urban settlements.

8.Energy Transition and Sustainable Agriculture in Rural Communities

Studying the synergies between clean energy adoption and sustainable farming practices in agrarian regions.

9.Energy-Education Nexus: Improving Learning Environments

Analyzing the relationship between energy access and educational outcomes, with a focus on schools in underserved areas.

10. Innovative Financing Mechanisms for Energy Access

Investigating novel financing models to make clean energy technologies affordable for low-income households.

11.Energy Transition and Women's Empowerment in Off-Grid Communities

Examining how access to clean energy can empower women in rural and remote areas.

12. Role of Governance Innovations in Promoting Renewable Energy

Assessing the policy initiatives and regulatory frameworks adopted by local governments to support clean energy adoption.

13. Energy Transition and Sustainable Transport

Analyzing how cleaner transportation options can be integrated into energy transition strategies to benefit low-income populations.

14. Energy Equity and Disaster Resilience in Vulnerable Coastal Regions

Studying the connection between energy access, climate change resilience, and disaster preparedness in coastal areas.

15. Microgrid Solutions for Remote Indigenous Communities

Investigating the feasibility and benefits of microgrid systems in indigenous communities with limited grid access.

16. Energy Transition and Livelihood Opportunities in the Fishing Industry

Examining how clean energy technologies can enhance the sustainability of fishing communities.

17. Energy Transition and Eco-Tourism Development

Exploring the potential for clean energy adoption to support sustainable tourism while benefiting local communities.

18. Energy-Equitable Healthcare Facilities

Assessing the energy needs of healthcare institutions and strategies for ensuring reliable power for medical services in underserved areas.

19. Community Health Impacts of Air Pollution Mitigation

Studying the health benefits of transitioning to cleaner energy sources in areas with high air pollution levels.

20. Multi-Sectoral Synergies: Integrating Energy Transition with Water and Sanitation

Investigating how energy transition efforts can align with water and sanitation initiatives to improve overall living conditions. 

References:

There is Such a Thing as Too Much, Too Fast: Avoiding ‘Mismatched Expectations’ in Off-Grid Energy Investing (NextBillion, 2017)

How a New Breed of Distributed Energy Services Companies can Reach 500M Energy-poor Customers within a Decade (Bardouille &Muench, 2014) 

Distributed Energy Services Companies Project Summary (African Development Bank, 2019)

Student and Alum Startups in the Energy Sector

SOLX  https://solx.ph/ 

Smarter Meter https://www.smartermeter.com.ph

Saltric https://saltric.wordpress.com/ 

VORTEx PH https://www.facebook.com/vortex.project.ph