Community Power Agency is offering the Socially Responsible Renewable Energy Development (SRRED) short course, an online learning program designed to support better social and environmental outcomes in renewable energy projects. Developed in partnership with Griffith University, the course brings together practitioners, policymakers and community-focused professionals seeking to strengthen how projects engage with communities and deliver local benefits.
The program is fully self-paced and structured around two online modules, allowing participants to work through materials at their own pace. Learners are expected to spend around 40 hours completing the modules and associated workbook, after which they receive a digital badge from Griffith University.
Course content centred on engagement and benefit
The first module focuses on community engagement, covering social licence, understanding local contexts, participation principles and engagement planning. It also includes guidance on working with First Nations communities and evaluating engagement approaches.
The second module examines how renewable projects can create lasting value for host regions. Topics include benefit-sharing approaches, governance and co-design processes, co-investment and co-ownership models, and ways to support local employment and procurement opportunities. It also addresses shared land use and biodiversity considerations.
Together, the modules aim to provide frameworks and case studies to help practitioners navigate the social dimensions of project development alongside technical and commercial factors.
Flexible delivery and ongoing collaboration
SRRED combines online learning materials with reflective activities, real-world examples and expert insights. Participants also gain access to the SRRED Exchange, an online community of practice that enables collaboration, discussion and knowledge sharing, including live seminars aligned with the course modules.
The course is open to a broad range of participants, including project developers, government staff, community advocates and leaders working across policy, delivery and engagement roles. Pricing is set at $2,500 including GST, with a reduced rate available for local government, not-for-profit organisations, charities and social enterprises, along with group enrolment options.
Sector expertise shapes course delivery
The program features contributions from a wide group of practitioners with experience spanning community energy, policy, project development, psychology, community ownership and First Nations engagement. Contributors include leaders from Community Power Agency as well as specialists from across the energy, community and research sectors.
Their combined experience informs course material on topics such as participation models, benefit funds, community wellbeing, procurement pathways and approaches to managing complex conversations during project development.
Building capability across the project lifecycle
By focusing on practical tools, case studies and peer learning, the SRRED course is intended to build capability across the renewable energy workforce and among organisations supporting communities through the transition. The program positions social outcomes as a core consideration alongside technical delivery, reflecting growing demand for skills that address both project performance and community expectations.
