Indigenous, northern and remote communities around the world are at the forefront of adopting renewable energy to meet urgent energy access and energy security needs. Remote locations, low socioeconomic status, low levels of education and income and a lack of institutional support is hindering opportunities for these communities to develop dependable local energy options.
Human resource capacity building in the context of renewable energy transition and implementation is important because the social and economic benefits related to enhanced energy sovereignty are seemingly tremendous and having trained, skilled professionals to drive the transition is critical.
Some of the benefits of improving access to renewable energy opportunities in Arctic and Sub-arctic communities includes: enhanced standard of living, greater employment, heightened education opportunities, better access to healthy food and greater community and cultural participation.
Building human resource capacity to support the renewable energy transition in this unique context requires global, multi-sectoral cooperation. USask’s Renewable Energy in Northern, Remote & Indigenous Communities Flagship Program has partners dedicated to advancing the investment and advancement of renewable energy transition. These partners include: utility industry giants, national and international academic institutions, First Nations and NGOs from the US, Canada, Norway, Sweden and Finland.
The research and training offered by the Renewable Energy Flagship Program will build skills of students who will ultimately lead the development and growth of energy security via renewables transition in the Arctic. Visit the SENS website to learn about our Master’s degree programs.