27 university students and young professionals with different backgrounds from 13 countries in South and Southeast Asia participated in a week-long intensive training at the AIT campus. Climate change and energy experts and scholars from the region were invited to conduct seminars and interactive workshops. Participants explored and discussed a wide range of energy-related issues such as access to energy, renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy security, electricity market, investment and etc.

Besides theoretical parts, professional trainers shared their practical experience in engaging local communities in clean energy initiatives. Participants were taught how various types of solar systems technically function. During the seven days, they designed and built one solar box oven, two parabolic ovens, one solar dryer, one solar sound system/charging station, 15 power banks and one solar water pump with using recycle materials. These solar applications will be used in local farms and university campus.

Furthermore, participants were well-trained to develop energy projects in their own communities. They acquired useful knowledge and skills to develop ideas, write proposals, gain access to funding, get engaged with local people and etc. In a field visit to a local mushroom farm, a young farmer showcased how sustainable agriculture on the ground looks like and renewable energy can be integrated in it. With these insights, participants were capable to finalize their energy plans and realize them in their societies in the near future.

In one of the evening sessions, 5 participants from the KAS RECAP funded SDG Asia Project took the opportunity to present their previous work and videos. They spoke about how they identified local urban challenges and then organized themselves to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their own societies. The role of youth in SDGs was discussed.

With positive feedback and outcomes, the youth energy training will be held again next year in Thailand. Outstanding participants will be invited to take part in an additional training to be trainers. Apart from this, AIT trainers will present their experiences of conducting the Youth Energy Academy in a session on energy education in the UN Climate Change Conference COP 25 in Madrid.