Solar Energy, Vol.173, 449-455, 2018
Education and training gaps in the renewable energy sector
One of the barriers to achieve the expected renewable energy market development is the shortage of qualified human resources. Global data on education and training on renewable energies was analyzed in order to gain an understanding of the current education supply worldwide. Findings are: (i) the shortage is more acute in developing countries; (ii) there is a mismatch between education system offer and industry demand; (iii) there is also a mismatch in the suitability of the curricula; (iv) students and educators are moving towards online training for collaborating and learning. While it remains a challenge to increase, improve, and facilitate access to renewable energy education and training, the high interest of females in renewable energy education represents an opportunity to counter the scarcity of professionals in the sector.