Energy Transition
Specialization
(WE Spark)
The Energy Transition specialization (WE Spark) is an intensive multi-step training program offered to Saudi female enrolled or recently graduated from a Saudi university. The program consists of four stages with assessment after each stage to get qualified to the following one. The program covers renewable energy and storage technologies ranging from fundamentals to practical aspects of this important field.
Requirements
- You must be a Saudi female currently enrolled or recently graduated from a Saudi university in a science/technology relevant field such as Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Electrical Engineering.
- You must complete the prerequisite courses on Coursera.
- Passing the assessments at each stage. Top qualified students will be invited to the next stage.
Application Announcement
The registration is now closed
Eligible candidates will be invited to the placement test.
To be eligible for the placement test, the candidate must be enrolled in the KAUST Academy/Coursera program within 5 days of receiving Coursera invitation and then complete the required pre-requisite courses within the recommended period, otherwise the Coursera subscription will be revoked and passed on to other applicants on the waiting list.
Prerequisite Core Courses
To qualify for the Energy Transition specialization program, you’ll need to sign up for Coursera within 5 days of receiving the invitation link at your registered email address, and then successfully complete the auto-enrolled courses to be eligible to take part in the placement test.
Students with top scores in the placement test will receive invitation for (Renewable Energy & Storage I) to join a one week in person training during university breaks. At the end of the course, students with top performance will be invited to another one week in person training (Renewable Energy & Storage II) and take an exam at the end of the course as well.
The top qualified students will receive invitation to participate in a variety of KAUST Academy Summer Programs at elite partners institutions in KSA and/or abroad including Summer School, Internships, and Research Programs.
Students who will not be selected after passing the placement test in December, will still have access to over 200 courses, specializations, guided projects and more on Coursera until 31 July 2025. They will be eligible to receive a free certificate for each achievement on Coursera during that period.
Covered topics
in this course
- Renewable Energy Sources
- Energy Storage Technologies
- Hydrogen Technologies
- CO2 Capture, Conversion, and Storage
- Integration of Renewable Energy and Storage Systems
- Economic and Policy Aspects of Renewable Energy and Storage
- Additional courses on core skills, innovation and leadership
Skills you’ll gain
- Materials Properties for the Energy Transition
- Data Analysis
- Principles of Energy Storage Technologies
- Principles of Renewable Energy Sources
- Device Testing Protocols
- System Integration
- Economics of Renewable Energy Systems
Student Journey
Stage 1: Pre-requisite Course
Important Note: Signing up for the prerequisite courses on Coursera (Stage 1) does not guarantee participation in subsequent stages. Students must demonstrate their knowledge and skills by excelling in the assessments to progress through the program. Certificates of Completion will be awarded at each stage to acknowledge participants’ achievements. Qualified students will be invited to the next stage.
Duration: 2 to 4 Weeks Completion Date: Late November Method: Self-Paced, Online Courses
Description: The students are required to complete four dedicated online courses that will supply them with the essential knowledge for renewable energy and storage systems.
Stage 2: Renewable Energy & Storage I
Duration: 5 Days Start Date: During university breaks 2025 Method: Instructor-Paced, In-Person Lectures
Description: The qualified students will learn principles of renewable energy sources and practical technologies, such as solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy, along with emerging energy storage technologies. A key focus is to provide the students with a good understanding of the energy transitions and the role of these energy technologies play in decarbonizing our economy.
Stage 3: Renewable Energy & Storage II
Duration: 4 Days Start Date: During university breaks 2025 Method: Instructor-Paced, In-Person Lectures
Description: The qualified students excelling in the second stage will be invited to learn hydrogen-related technologies as well as carbon dioxide capture, conversion, and storage.
Stage 4: Energy Transition Summer Program
Duration: 8 Weeks Start Date: 29 June, 2025 Method: Instructor-Paced, In-Person Lectures
Description: Top qualified students from stage 3 will be invited to the prestigious KAUST Academy Summer Program in one of KAUST Academy partner institutions in KSA or abroad. Students will be provided with on campus accommodation and privileges.
Recommended Agenda for Stage 1
Below you can find a recommended agenda to complete the pre-requisite courses to be invited to the placement test and advance in the program.
Professor’s Take
on the Course
“Renewable energy and energy storage technologies are not just trends, but they are also the foundation of a sustainable future. Their indispensable role in transforming industries, driving economic growth, and protecting our environment cannot be overstated. At the Center of Excellence on Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Technologies (CREST), in collaboration with esteemed global partners, we are advancing the frontiers of cutting-edge research and innovations to secure the Kingdom’s energy future.
Our mission extends beyond advancing technologies. We are committed to empowering a new generation of Saudi leaders who will lead this vital transformation. Partnering with the KAUST Academy, we offer unique programs that equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving renewable energy and storage sectors. By fostering a strong community in these vital fields, we ensure that the Kingdom plays a leading role in the global shift towards sustainability.”
Professor Husam N. Alshareef, Chair/Director of Center for Renewable Energy & Storage Technologies (CREST)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This training program is catered specially for female students and recent graduates in science and technology fields at Saudi universities.
By signing up and completing the (online) pre-requisite courses via Coursera.
No, the program is currently offered with a full scholarship for talented female students at all Saudi universities.
No, this training program is catered to female students and recent graduates in Saudi universities to well prepare them for the ideal career opportunities in the Kingdom and/or abroad.
Absolutely, the course emphasizes practical aspects and covers foundational concepts that are applicable to real-world problems and solutions.
(Stage one) Prerequisite online course is self-paced, suggested completion time is 2 to 4 weeks.
(Stages 2, 3, and 4) Introduction, Advanced, and Summer Program) are full day in-person training and instructor-paced. They will will take place during university breaks.
To qualify for the placement test, you are required to join the Coursera invitation link, start your online learning journey within 5 days of receiving the invitation email, and successfully complete only the pre-requisite course(s) which are auto-enrolled to your access upon joining Coursera per the recommended agenda.
Yes, participants who successfully complete the online course(s) and/or the in-person courses will receive a certificate of completion to showcase their newfound knowledge and skills at each stage.
The program consists of four stages with assessment after each stage to get qualified to the following one. Top performing students will be selected to advance further until they successfully reach the summer program.
Students who successfully complete the pre-requisite courses on Coursera will be already benefited from this program even if they do not get selected to the second stage.
Do not forget that you have free access to over 200 courses, specialization, guided projects, and more through the KAUST Academy/Coursera license.
We strongly recommend that you enroll, complete and earn free certificates for as many courses as you like, during the entire period of the program.
Contact us for more information