In a bid to achieve Vision 2030 target of achieving 9.5GW of renewable energy, the scientists at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) firmly believe that among other measures, there is a need to develop local expertise in wide ranging areas pertinent to renewable energy. With this belief and mindset, Dr. Muhammad Asif from the College of Environmental Design (CED) at KFUPM, has designed a short course on renewable energy with particular focus on solar technologies. The uniquely prepared five-day course entitled "Renewable Energy Systems: Design and Applications" to be delivered on Nov.13-17, which covers fundamentals of different types of renewable energy systems, including solar energy, wind power, bioenergy, geothermal energy, hydropower and wave and tidal power. Given the KSA and GCC context, different types of solar energy technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV), solar thermal power, solar water heating and solar space conditioning are discussed in detail in terms of design, application, and environmental and economic aspects. Reflecting upon latest developments and advancements, the course also provides detailed insight into global renewable energy trends and practices. The course has a broad spectrum of audience including but not limiting to engineers, planners and regulators, building and environmental professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, academics and researchers. It educates the participants covering renewable energy in general and solar energy in particular through four distinctive dimensions: theory and concepts, design a exercises, practical experience and software training. Renewable energy has become an important source of energy at the national and international levels across the world. It is the fastest growing form of energy propelled by technological advancements, conducive policies and economy of scale. Parallel to these global trends, Saudi Arabia has taken up renewable energy as an integral part of its future energy plans.
