The Hidden Side of Energy Access: Understanding Clean Cooking

Course Description

"The Hidden Side of Energy Access: Understanding Clean Cooking" is an innovative, month-long interactive workshop series that delves into the often-overlooked aspect of energy access: clean cooking solutions. This course, offered by the World Bank's Open Learning Campus (OLC) and the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), aims to bridge the knowledge gap in modern energy cooking services (MECS) and its global impact.

With over half the world's population lacking access to clean cooking solutions, this course addresses a critical issue that affects health, climate, environment, and gender equality. By combining self-paced e-learning modules with live speaker presentations from clean cooking innovators and practitioners, discussion forums, and interactive exercises, this course offers a comprehensive understanding of the clean cooking landscape.

What Students Will Learn

• The importance of modern energy cooking services (MECS) in the global energy access agenda
• The health, climate, environmental, and gender impacts of traditional cooking methods
• Key demand and supply-side barriers in the clean cooking sector
• Entrepreneurial challenges and successes in clean cooking
• Innovative financing instruments for clean cooking solutions
• Systems-level priorities and policy roles in accelerating access to MECS
• The Multi-Tier Framework for assessing energy access

Prerequisites

This is an introductory-level course with no specific prerequisites. However, a general interest in environmental studies, sustainable development, or global energy issues would be beneficial.

Course Coverage

• The state of global access to modern energy cooking services
• Health, environmental, climate, and gender impacts of traditional cooking methods
• The concept of MECS and the Multi-Tier Framework
• Demand and supply-side barriers in the clean cooking sector
• Entrepreneurial journeys in clean cooking
• Financing challenges and innovations in the clean cooking sector
• Policy roles and systems-level priorities for accelerating MECS access

Who This Course Is For

• Students interested in environmental studies and sustainable development
• Professionals working in the energy sector or NGOs
• Policymakers and government officials involved in energy access initiatives
• Entrepreneurs and innovators in the clean cooking space
• Anyone passionate about global development and improving living conditions worldwide

Real-World Application of Skills

• Developing and implementing clean cooking initiatives in communities
• Designing policies to promote clean cooking solutions
• Creating innovative financing models for clean cooking projects
• Launching or improving clean cooking businesses
• Advocating for increased attention and resources for clean cooking
• Conducting research on the impacts of clean cooking solutions
• Integrating clean cooking considerations into broader energy access and development projects

Syllabus

Each week includes speaker presentations, discussion forums, and self-paced exercises to reinforce learning and encourage practical application of concepts.