Electrical utilities are integral parts of business operations in all industry sectors irrespective of enterprise size. Electrical energy is converted into other useful forms, which vary by sector. Electric motors are the major power consumers in manufacturing and processing plants. At the same time, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) as well as lighting are the major consumers in the service industry and buildings. Associated systems like cooling towers, fans and blowers, and pumping systems also contribute to overall electrical energy consumption. Transmission and distribution networks that supply power from generation points to users allow industrial growth, infrastructure development, urbanization, and economic growth to spread across regions.

However, fossil fuels remain the major primary energy source for generating power and they are slowing efforts to decouple business growth and environmental degradation. Nonrenewables like coal, oil, and gas extracted underground have limited reserves, and their combustion leads to environmental degradation through air pollution and increased carbon emissions. Adopting best practices in efficient operations and installing energy-efficient electrical equipment could be major contributors to mitigating climate change, meeting the SDGs, and benefiting industry monetarily.

To disseminate technical knowledge and benefit enterprises through energy efficiency and management, several e-learning courses, such as General Aspects of Energy Management and Audit and Energy Efficiency and Management in Thermal Systems, are already uploaded on the APO e-learning website. This course continues those e-learning courses with a specific focus on electrical utilities. Participants are encouraged to enroll in these e-learning courses to add new dimensions to their energy conservation efforts.  

The objectives of the course are to:
• Emphasize the role of electrical utilities in industrial operations and the scope of electrical energy savings leading to decarbonization.
• Understand the scientific operating principles and assessment of the performance of electrical equipment and associated systems.
• Provide insights on emerging, cost-effective electrical technologies and efficient operating practices for enterprises to adopt for sustainable business growth.

Course Modules
The e-learning course will cover the following modules:
Module 1: Electric power transmission and distribution systems
Module 2: Electric motors and air compressors
Module 3: HVAC and pumps
Module 4: Fans, blowers, and cooling towers
Module 5: Frameworks for energy conservation

Important Notes:
1) Participants who register to take this course and pass the final examination with a score of 70% or higher will be eligible to receive the APO certificate. Please note that the final examination can be taken only once. Therefore, the most appropriate time to take the examination should be chosen carefully. The self-assessment quizzes are for personal evaluation only and are not related to the final examination results.
2) Participants who perform well in this course and receive the APO certificate will be given preference, on a merit basis, for selection to attend follow-up face-to-face multicountry APO projects on similar topics, when nominated by their NPOs and if slots are available.
3) Notes 1 and 2 are applicable only to participants from APO member countries. Participants from nonmember countries are welcome to take the course for self-improvement, though they will not get an opportunity to attend the follow-up face-to-face multicountry APO project.
4) Each module is in a prerecorded video format in which the expert delivers presentations by explaining each slide. Participants can access the video by clicking on the link provided under the title of each module.

Course Duration in Hours: 20 Hours
Skill Level: Beginner
Upcoming Course: No
New Course: Yes