Series of Workshops on “Practical Research Methods for Managers”
August 6 - 11, 2010

Within ECI project - Task 2: Higher Education Programs to Supply a Professional Workforce for the Energy Sector – activities, Dr. Hameed Nezhad arrived to Georgia and continued working in this direction.

Apart from other activities, one of the highlights of Dr. Nezhad’s trip to Georgia, was a series of interactive workshops on “Practical Research Methods for Managers” conducted by the professor in several cities. The workshop addressing energy training, applied research and education was held in Batumi, Georgia, on 6th, 7th and 8th of August with the objective of presenting practical applications of qualitative and quantitative research methods in business and non-profit management. Major topics covered included research design, data collection and analysis, research proposal and report writing. Team discussions on “Professional Training in the energy sector of Georgia, including both private sector and governmental organizations”, “Applied Research in the energy sector of Georgia, including both private sector and governmental organizations” and “Energy Education in Georgia including K-12, vocational, undergraduate and graduate studies” were held and presentations made by participants representing Center of Excellence in Energy Education, Applied Research and Information member organizations and universities, as well as Energo-Pro Georgia and Georigan Oil and Gas Corporation.

Short versions of the workshop on “Practical Research Methods for Managers” were also held in Kutaisi on August 9, 2010 at Kutaisi Akaki Tsereteli University and in Tbilisi on August 11, 2010 at Georgian Technical University. The overviews of practical research methods for managers were presented to teachers, energy sector professionals and ECI’s grantee university students.

At a request from Georgian Industrial Group (GIG), Dr. Hameed Nezhad conducted a lecture on “World Energy Scenarios to 2050: Issues and Options” for Georgian Industrial Group Board of Directors and high level managers on August 12, 2010 in Tbilisi. Dr. Nezhad discussed the importance of secure, reliable and affordable energy supplies to global economic stability and growth, as well as the adequacy of energy supplies, the threat of disruptive climate change and the huge investment requirements to meet the growing global energy needs. Within the lecture Dr. Nezhad provided strategic recommendations for achieving desired energy future.

These workshops were very well attended and positive feedbacks received from all of the participants. Facilitators were pleased that the participants responded well to assignments and that the objectives of the workshop were satisfactorily achieved. On the other hand, participants were also pleased with the outcome of the workshop and welcomed ECI project support and successful completion of the workshops.

Scientific-Methodological Conference on “Energy: Regional problems and development opportunities”
May 21 – 22, 2010

An international Scientific-Methodological Conference on “Energy: Regional Problems and Development Opportunities” was held at Kutaisi State University on May 21 – 22, 2010 in Kutaisi, Georgia.

The Conference was conducted within the framework of “Power Industry Management and Technology Master’s Degree Program” funded by USAID/the Energy Capacity Initiative. The project aims at preparing high-skilled specialists for Georgian Energy sector.

The first day of the conference was dedicated to presentations of submitted scientific works on following subject areas: Energy Technologies, Energy Economics and Management, Energy and Environment and Energy Education. Presentations were divided into 5 sections where technical and scientific works were presented by the authors. Some of these presentations were on the following topics:  “Establishment of Energy Efficient Schools in Kutaisi (Georgia) and Ararat (Armenia)” in Kutaisi Physical-Mathematical School #41, “Rioni River’s Power-Producing Development Opportunities”, “Utilization of Energy Flow Diagrams Through Assessment of Energy Efficiency of Thermal Systems”, “Renewable Energy Sources in Georgia and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reducing Opportunities”, “Investigation of Air Pollution Coefficient for Transport Networks”, “Youth Employment and Using Renewable Energy in Georgia” and many more.

AEAI consultant, Dr. Hameed Nezhad also participated in the conference as a guest speaker and made a presentation on “Future of Power Sector: Uncertainties and Opportunities”.

The second day of the conference was dedicated to a roundtable discussion on “Higher and Professional Education in Energy Sphere: Current State, Problems and Cooperation Opportunities” where ECI grantee universities shared their experiences in designing energy related Master’s degree programs, implementation plans as well as discussed future and current cooperation plans and ideas.

The conference was attended by up to 200 participants from different countries. Both days of the event were highly successful. In addition to the main plenary sessions, the conference organizers offered cultural events for the guests including a visit to Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission located in Kutaisi, Georgia.

Developing a Business Plan Workshop
May 15 -16, 2010

On May 15 - 16, 2010 the Energy Capacity Initiative hosted a workshop on “Developing a Business Plan” conducted by AEAI consultant - Professor Hameed Nezhad in Sighnaghi, Georgia.

The primary objective of this workshop was to train the participants in developing a business plan and to discuss the business-development issues for energy services in Georgia.
The workshop was divided into breakout sessions, during which the participants were asked to carry out specific assignments. At brainstorming session on the consortium’s business plan - Market Analysis & Operation Plan, the participants were separated into two groups.  Each group discussed and reported on possible services provided by CEE and target groups as well as the process of marketing CEE services; while at brainstorming session on the consortium’s business plan - Operation Plan & Management & Organization Plan, the participants discussed and reported on operation plan, management and organization plan of CEE.

The following topics were discussed at the meeting:
Business Plan: Basic Concepts
The Major Elements of the Business Plan
Business Plan Components and their Descriptions
Market Analysis & Strategy
Products and/or Services
Financial Plan
Risk Assessment
Implementation Plan
The workshop also included group discussions on critical issues in developing a Business Plan, and financing energy services in Georgia.

The event was an effective venue for an interactive discussion between the workshop leaders and the participants of approximately twenty energy educators and professionals in attendance.
Participants have been exceptionally receptive for the “informative workshop”. Mr. Nezhad shared his educational and professional experience with the audience and responded to the questions of public enquiry.

ECI continues supporting educational programs with its ultimate goal to improve the operational as well as management skills in state-owned and private energy companies and NGOs for them to succeed and excel in the field of Energy with the purpose of further improving operational capacity of Georgia’s energy sector.

The Energy Capacity Initiative Round Two Grants Award Ceremony
May 4, 2010. Tbilisi, Georgia

On May 4, 2010 ECI round two grants award signing ceremony was held at “Courtyard by Marriott Tbilisi” where the recipients of ECI second round grants were announced.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Energy Capacity Initiative (ECI) publicized funding for local NGOs working on energy sector development issues.

Nine organizations were awarded with grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

Grant Agreements were signed by organizations as follows: Co-evolutionary Resolutions in Energy, Renewable Energy Recourses Scientific Centre: Karenergo – 2,  Science and Energy, Association of Energy Engineers of Georgia, Association – Efficient Use of Georgia’s Energy Resources, Georgian Geothermal Association, Imereti Scientists Union “Spectri”, Caucasus Environmental Foundation, World Experience Georgia.

Mr. Charles Burge - the chief of party of Energy Capacity Initiative, Mr. Jock Conly - mission director of USAID/Caucasus, Mr. John Hansen – E&E office director, Ms. Mariam Valishvili - first deputy minister of Energy of Georgia attended the ceremony. The audience briefed on ECI’s success and reported their own findings about ECI providing expertise and development assistance to Georgia’s Energy Sector.  Ms. Valishvili spoke highly of ECI’s importance in enhancing energy policy analysis capacity through facilitating stakeholder dialogue on policy issues and supporting higher education programs in energy.

This year ECI grant program addresses critical energy security issues focusing on development of: renewable energy (geothermal, wind and solar), energy efficiency, high dam operation security, shale gas exploration and improvement of technical communications between regional energy experts.
Through ECI grants, awarded projects will collect and present both scientific and commercial data to encourage the use of alternative energy and energy efficient technologies and test innovative alternatives to fossil fuels such as pilot wind turbine and geothermal heating projects.

The workshop was attended and well received by the participants and guests. Award winning organizations will execute their projects over a period of 4 -11 months and will accomplish valuable works for the support of Georgian Energy Sector as the second round of grants program again serves the purpose of further supporting strategic energy sector aims of the Government of Georgia.

Workshop for Energy Educators and Professionals
March 5 and 6, 2010

A two day seminar was held on March 5 and 6, 2010 at Energy Capacity Initiative office where four ECI grantee universities (ISET, Kutaisi State University, Georgian Technical University and Grigol Robakidze University) presented their graduate degree programs to Georgian energy sector companies and organizations, ECI, USAID and the Ministry of Energy representatives. Up to 30 university professors and energy field professionals were brought together to attend the workshop.  Presentations on “Concentration in Energy Economy” and “Master’s degree program in Power Industry Technology and Management” were presented by ISET and Kutaisi State University respectively on the first day, while Georgian Technical University and Grigol Robakidze University presented “Energy Demand Side Management Concentration” and “Energy Management Concentration” on the second day of the seminar.

Interaction between the invitees was successful and created a very productive working atmosphere. Discussions were held on issues and achievements related to new energy programs, specifically: local scholarships, fees, handbooks, internship and graduate placements, student recruitments, as well as problems and future cooperation between companies and the universities.  Workshop participants were actively involved in a dialogue and raised important issues of public concern.  The workshop enabled them to provide analysis on critical energy issues and approaches to best suit local needs and circumstances.

After the presentations of the newly established energy related programs, energy sector representatives shared their comments on the new programs with university professors and a discussion was held which provided basis for future partnerships between these two sectors.

Cleaner Energy for IDPs
December 22, 2009

Within the framework of USAID funded “Energy Capacity Initiative project” Energy Efficiency Center Georgia officially completed its distribution of energy saving light bulbs and energy efficient wood stoves to IDP families in Teliani settlement of Kareli region on December 22. The event was organized within the project “Cleaner Energy for IDPs”.

The project goal was to analyze energy consumption and define potential for energy savings in IDP settlements.

After receiving approval on selection of a site for demonstration projects, Energy Efficiency Center Georgia ”Cleaner Energy for IDPs” grants project distributed efficient wood burning stoves for 54 IDP families in Teliani settlement. Activities within this task of the project also included replacing regular bulbs with energy efficient bulbs.

Above mentioned ECI project carried out energy audit in regards with these activities and discussions on community benefits as a result of mentioned demonstration projects and consultations on operation and maintenance of energy efficient fire-wood stoves and energy savings bulbs have been provided.

In view of implementation of the above mentioned energy saving measures in Teliani settlement, annual net savings in consumed electricity will amount to 31400 kWh and in fire wood - up to 108 m3.

Energy Capacity Initiative Cleaner Energy for IDPs project will be monitoring energy consumption in Teliani settlement until the end of the winter. Based upon this analysis, recommendations will be presented to Government of Georgia and donor organizations for introducing similar energy efficient measure in other IDP settlements.

Strategic Planning Workshop
Center of Excellence Energy Consortium Retreat
December 18 and 19, 2009

On December 18 and 19, Energy Capacity Initiative conducted a consortium retreat in Gudauri on the topic “Strategic Plan for the Center for Excellence in Energy Education, Training, Applied Research, and Information” (CEE). The Center of Excellence in Energy - Energy consortium - is an element of the ECI project due to be implemented through ECI Higher Education Grant Program.  USAID provides support to higher education institutions to develop sustainable graduate-level energy education programs that meet the current and future needs of Georgia’s energy sector. The center will support education, applied research and training in the energy sector. This venture is currently involving Georgian Technical University, Akaki Tsereteli State University, International School of Economics at Tbilisi State University and Grigol Robakidze University.  The four universities have already signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing to participate in the future center.

This retreat provided a discussion of the strategic issues critical to success of this newly-formed energy consortium. Participants of this event included the educational institution consortium members, representatives of Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Education and Sciences of Georgia, ECI and USAID, GSE, ESCO, Telasi, GNEWRC, Georgian Technical University, Akaki Tsereteli State University, International School of Economics at Tbilisi State University and Grigol Robakidze University.
The workshop was conducted by Professor Hameed Nezhad – ECI consultant - aiming to prepare the participants to think strategically and to build the necessary knowledge and skills to develop and implement effective strategies.

The primary objectives of this interactive workshop were:
1.   To learn about the strategic planning process;
2.   To discuss critical strategic issues for development and successful implementation of CEE; and
3.   To develop a strategic plan for the consortium.

Workshop included following topics:

1. Leadership and Strategic thinking
2. Situation Analysis (SWOT Analysis) using Structure® and Decide 2000® software programs
3. Scenario planning process
4. Setting meaningful strategic objectives
5. Strategy Formulation
6. Prioritization of objectives and strategies using Decide 2000® software program; and
7. Organizational structure for strategy implementation

 Within this event, participants were trained in principles of strategic planning and appropriate certificates were handed out.  Participants explicitly noted that the workshop was valuable in deepening their understanding of various aspects of strategic planning. They found the workshop useful in light of their professional responsibilities and enjoyed the opportunity to exchange views and share experiences with other participants.

Energy Economics, Technology and Policy: American Experience Workshop
October 2, 2009

Energy Capacity Initiative organized “Energy Economics, Technology and Policy, American Experience” workshop on October 2, 2009.

As an element of ECI's human capacity building effort in the energy sector, Georgian energy professionals and University professors who will be developing graduate level courses in the area of “energy management” attended a workshop on “Energy economics, technology and policy” at University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin USA where they were introduced to global energy sector issues from a US energy sector and University perspective. Beyond the introduction to the University's energy related educational programs the participants also visited number of energy companies, research institutes, and power plants.

The “Energy Economics, Technology and Policy, American Experience” workshop was conducted to allow the professionals who attended the workshop in the USA to share their American Experience with their colleagues and the ECI management team. Invitees included USAID and Ministry of Energy representatives.

Progress Report on Grants Programs

Energy Capacity Initiative (ECI) Energy Issues Grants Program officially started with signing grants agreements with grantees. Detailed work plan as well as a precise budget breakdown has been prepared for each of the grantees.

ECI prepared Monitoring Manual for grants program and developed a standardized Reporting Plan which assists the grantee in performance evaluation and delivering necessary information about execution of project activities in narrative and tabular forms.

Grantee regular reporting went in progress at the expected pace and phase. All of the six grant projects are fully staffed, equipped and functioning. Three of the ECI Grants were designated as potential candidates for high visibility demonstration/pilot projects. 

Progress meetings with grantees are being held and all are progressing according to their work plans. 

ECI is continuing to receive and process individual grant proposals for the energy sector topics previously presented on an ad-hoc basis and expects to provide specific direction on acceptable topics and priorities for funding of future grants in September 2009.

Mr. Nezhad’s Visit
July 4-18, 2009

AEAI Consultant - Dr. Hameed Nezhad travelled to Georgia between July 3 to July 18, 2009.

Professor conducted two seminars on “World Energy Scenarios to 2050: Issues and Options” on the topics of problems and opportunities ahead in global energy markets and provided strategic recommendations to achieve desired energy future. Primary purpose of this workshop was to introduce efficient approaches to scenario planning process; world energy supply and demand driving forces; world energy scenarios to 2050 and strategies to achieve Desired Scenarios. The workshops were conducted in Tbilisi and Kutaisi and were attended by 170 high level professionals and educators from Georgian Energy Sector and Universities.

The workshops were a learning experience for both the participants and the facilitators.

Many of the participants who are also involved in other ECI activities pointed out that the workshops were very productive and would help them achieve their goals.

Mr. Nezhad also conducted a pre-departure orientation for 14 participants of the workshop on “Energy Economics, Technology and Policy” to be conducted by Department of Engineering and Professional Development (EPD) at University of Wisconsin from July 26 through August 4th. The seminar included an introduction to the American cultural values and education system as well as details of the upcoming workshop.

Additionally, Mr. Nezhad met with three ECI Energy scholarship recipients and assisted them in curriculum planning and discussed their personal needs for their studies in the United States.

The final meeting was with ECI Higher Education grants recipients, where the program progress was discussed and recommendations proposed for further improvements of the curriculum.

Ms. Uzicanin’s Visit
June 10-23, 2009

AEAI Consultant - Ms. Uzicanin visited Georgia between and during the mission met with representatives of Georgian Ministry of Energy to discuss Georgia’s progress in application for the full membership to the Energy Community.

Ms. Uzicanin conducted brown-bag lunch presentation to a wider audience from USAID and USA Embassy about the Energy Community, Energy Community Institutions and obligations for the Contracting Parties, arising from the Energy Community Treaty.

Ms. Uzicanin continued with assessment process of Georgian energy sector institutions and development of the training plan for the relevant energy sector institutions.

ECI develops, organizes and hosts series of meetings and panel discussion/workshops on the topic of investment in Hydro Power in Georgia at International School of Economics
May 21, 2009

Two experts - John Gulliver of Pierce Atwood and Ken Weiner of Nixon Peabody were invited to Georgia and assembled to be the panel mediators at the set of meetings conducted by USAID and AEAI Georgia on May 21st, 2009.

The experts were asked to bring their perspectives as consultants and lawyers who have worked on private sector power development globally and to apply this learning (their experience) to current investment program in Georgia. Expert assignment was to review ambitious proposals trying to attract private sector investment in Georgia for development of new small, medium and large scale hydro power projects (that would sell their output principally into Turkish domestic market).

The panel discussion took place at ISET and included the Ministry of Energy, GNERC, international banking institutions, invited interested investors, selected knowledgeable stakeholders and some key local experts in Hydro Power Plant investments.

The purpose of these meetings was to gain better understanding in needs and interests of investors, international financial institutions in HPP investment opportunities in Georgia. A wide range of interesting issues were discussed and analysed, such as possibilities of Hydropower Potential of Georgia, Renewable Energy Resources, Energy Supply Security and Reliability. Experts expressed their views on diversity and abundance of renewable, carbon free generating resources that should have commercial, strategic and environmental value to investors and should be attractive for developing new hydro resources, secure transmission to new markets and accessing creditworthy buyers.

The Deputy Ministry of Energy was extraordinarily open and accessible to investors and panel discussion participants at the panel discussion. “In our experience, this level of openness and transparency is unusual, a very positive environment, and an important factor by which Georgia can distinguish itself from other locations seeking private sector investment in power generation” – said John Gulliver.

Experts assume that Georgia has prepared an ambitious, but achievable investment program to develop new hydro power generation for export markets. Many of prerequisites for successful execution of the plan are in place: an abundant, renewable, carbon free resource; an appropriate legal and regulatory structure; plans to create necessary transmission infrastructure; and a nearby market with strong demand. It was mutually agreed, the ultimate goal for Georgia was to package the significant and genuine investment opportunities in the easiest, clearest, most direct fashion for investors to evaluate and act upon.

The experts noted, as an additional factor, Georgia could and should market its human resources in power generation sector, especially in the hydro power. In their previous conversations with leading university representatives they were happy to find out that Georgia’s universities and technical institutes have historically produced impressive numbers of highly educated and well-trained engineering graduates with a particular emphasis on hydro power generation and transmission. “This capacity continues today, and representatives of different Georgian universities report that they annually have many well-trained, knowledgeable power engineering graduates. Investors are always concerned about human resources and availability of experienced and reliable work force. Not every venue in the world can offer the same assurances in this regard as Georgia”-Experts added.

Experts offered their observations and recommendations open heartedly at the discussions.

Suggestions and comments made by them were clearly incorporated to help enhance Georgia’s efforts to market these opportunities and ultimately attract strategic, high quality investors.

They identified the principal issues that usually rise in the power sector and suggested approaches by which Georgia can successfully address these issues and become a desired investment location.

Skills Gap Analysis and Higher Education Programs Workshop
March 6, 2009

A one day workshop was held at Georgian Technical University on March the 6th on ECI’s skills gap analysis results and higher education programs approaches in Georgia.
The brainstorming session was attended by over 30 professionals from 14 different universities in Georgia who had previously expressed their interested in ECI assistance in developing graduate level energy sector applicable courses and a degree program in Energy Sector Management.

The workshop was conducted to assist the local universities in understanding the human capacity needs of the energy sector (based upon the ECI’s preliminary gap analysis results) and identify challenges and ways for innovative approaches in higher education programs in energy sector.

Managerial Problem Solving and Decision Making Workshop
April 28 and 29,
May 4 and 5, 2009

On April 28th, 29th and May 4th and 5th, 2009, Energy Capacity Initiative hosted workshops at Tbilisi State University for leading energy educators and professionals.

The workshop on Managerial Problem Solving and Decision Making Methods was conducted by AEAI Consultant and Metropolitan State University Professor, Dr Hameed Nezhad.

The primary purpose of this workshop was to introduce systematic approaches to problem formulation, problem solving, and decision making using both qualitative and quantitative approaches and techniques. Special emphases were placed on real-life applications of problem-solving and decision-making methods using Software programs developed by Dr. Nezhad.

The objective of the workshop was to, on one hand, support universities to improve the level of their programs and on the other hand, help managers working in energy field improve skills on Managerial Problem Solving and Decision Making Methods.

Seminars for the educators and energy professionals were conducted separately and included two days of hands on computer laboratory time using Structure® and Decide 2000® Software Programs.

This workshop was attended by an intentionally diverse mix of over 60 technical and educational professionals.

Feedback about the workshop was very positive. The short surveys filled out by the participants showed that the majority of them thought that the topics covered in the Managerial Problem Solving and Decision Making Methods workshop were very appropriate and would like to attend more workshops about these issues. The following topics received highest ranking: Problem Solving Concepts, Modelling Process, and Systems Thinking.

The workshop was well received and certificates were presented to each attendee by USAID.