IEA Energy Efficiency Training: Fee-Free 4-Day Course in Johannesburg
IEA energy efficiency training is coming to Johannesburg from 23 to 26 November 2026, offering energy-policy professionals a chance to develop practical skills without paying an attendance fee. Applications are available through the International Energy Agency’s official event registration page.
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The Africa Energy Efficiency Policy Training Week 2026 is co-hosted by the IEA and South Africa’s Department of Electricity and Energy. The African Energy Commission and African Development Bank are partners in the event. South African professionals with relevant responsibilities can apply alongside colleagues from across the region.
IEA energy efficiency training: key information
- Event: Africa Energy Efficiency Policy Training Week 2026
- Dates: 23–26 November 2026
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Delivery: in-person professional training in English
- Attendance fee: none
- Travel and accommodation: paid by participants
- Application route: the online portal linked from the official IEA event page
- Outcome notification: successful applicants will be contacted by email
The official event page was live with an Apply link when checked on 20 October 2026. It did not display an application closing date in the information available for verification. Interested applicants should use the current portal promptly and check its latest instructions rather than assume that registration stays open until the event.
IEA energy efficiency training: who is the programme designed for?
The main audience is people who develop or support energy-efficiency policy, particularly those in energy ministries and supporting institutions. The IEA also accepts applications from relevant industry and civil-society sectors, including universities and non-governmental organisations.
This means the opportunity can be relevant beyond national government. Your current responsibilities should help explain why you would benefit from a particular stream and how you could use the training afterwards. The organisers especially welcome applications from women working in energy efficiency.
All courses are delivered in English, and English proficiency is an essential requirement. The published event information does not set out a universal degree level, age limit or minimum number of years of experience. Applicants should follow any additional requirements shown in the registration portal.
IEA energy efficiency training: five specialist streams to choose from
Buildings
This stream connects energy use in buildings with design choices, technology, policy and investment. It also considers how countries can plan a transition towards buildings with net-zero emissions. It may be relevant if your work concerns building performance, building policy or programmes that support energy-efficient construction and improvements.
Appliances and equipment
Participants examine how to combine regulation, information and incentives in an appliance-efficiency policy package. This stream focuses on the tools and strategic choices used to encourage better-performing equipment.
Industry
The industry course considers energy-efficiency programmes across industrial subsectors and businesses of different sizes. Its policy approach brings together regulation, information and incentives, with attention to lower costs, reduced emissions and stronger business performance.
Transport
The transport stream looks at vehicle energy efficiency, with particular attention to electrification. Case studies explore implementation experience and help participants consider how different policies can work together.
Indicators and evaluation
This stream focuses on the evidence needed to design, monitor and evaluate energy-efficiency policies. Participants examine national indicators and approaches to tracking the effects of programmes across sectors.
IEA energy efficiency training: how the four days are organised
The morning of 23 November begins with a joint opening session involving senior officials and energy-efficiency specialists. Stream-specific teaching then runs from the afternoon of 23 November through 25 November.
On 26 November, the programme turns to implementation and professional exchange. Participants will consider ways to put their learning into practice and take part in group exercises intended to build regional collaboration. The overall format includes lectures, interactive discussion, practical exercises and opportunities to learn from other participants.
Budget for the costs outside the course
The absence of an attendance fee makes this an accessible professional-development option, especially for people already based near Johannesburg. However, the IEA explicitly states that participants are responsible for their travel and accommodation. The announcement is therefore not a promise of a fully funded trip.
If attendance requires approval from your employer, check the full practical commitment before applying: four working days, transport, accommodation where needed and any costs your organisation would need to approve. Wait for confirmed acceptance and official venue information before making non-refundable arrangements.
How to apply
- Read the official event page and choose the stream that fits your responsibilities.
- Confirm that you can participate in English and attend the November dates.
- Follow the IEA’s Apply link to its event registration portal.
- Provide the information requested about your role and relevant background.
- Monitor your email for the organisers’ response and further practical instructions.
The official IEA event page contains the stream descriptions and current practical information. Course enquiries can be sent to Energy.Efficiency@iea.org.
IEA energy efficiency training: frequently asked questions
Can applicants outside government apply?
Yes. The IEA accepts relevant applications from industry and civil society, including academia and NGOs, as well as its main policy audience.
Are flights and accommodation covered?
No. The official announcement assigns those costs to participants. The training itself has no attendance fee.
Is this an online course?
The event is announced as training in Johannesburg. Applicants should plan to attend in person rather than assume remote participation is available.
Browse ReignGigs Courses & Training for more learning opportunities. Official programme and registration information was checked on 20 October 2026.
