Course dates:  June 30 – July 26

NOTE: This course is offered in collaboration with the Greek University of Western Macedonia and will take place in the city of Kozani where the University of Western Macedonia is located. 

Participants should plan to arrive in Thessaloniki, Greece the day before the start of the program and depart Thessaloniki the day after the program ends. Please see ‘Essential Information’ below for more details.

This summer course is a comprehensive four-week program designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern energy transitions. Coordinated by the Institute of Energy Development & Transition to Post-Lignite Era and the Laboratory of Energy Transition & Development Transformation (ENTRA Lab), this course emphasizes a multifaceted approach to addressing climate change and ensuring equitable energy policies. The course focuses on the paradigm shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, exploring the broader implications of this transition. It integrates perspectives from climate justice, policy frameworks, and community engagement to provide a holistic understanding of energy transitions.

The curriculum covers historical injustices, the need for equitable policy measures, and the importance of inclusive approaches that recognize the voices of marginalized communities. The primary aim of the summer school is to empower participants to become leaders and advocates for a just energy transition. The course seeks to ensure that the move towards renewable energy sources not only addresses the urgent need to mitigate climate change but also promotes social justice and equity. Participants will be equipped with the skills to develop and implement inclusive and participatory energy policies that integrate climate justice principles.

Course Details

Enrollment
This course requires a minimum enrollment of 10, with a maximum enrollment of 20.

Credit
60 Contact Hours

Essential Information
This course starts and ends in Kozani. Students should make travel arrangements to fly into and out of the airport of Thessaloniki in northern Greece (airport code SKG). Students should arrange to arrive in Thessaloniki on Sunday, June 29 (a day before the start of the program), and to depart from Thessaloniki on Sunday, July 27 (a day after the end of the program).

Students are responsible for their own accommodations in Thessaloniki. Please see general information about accommodations near the airport and things to do in Thessaloniki.

A chartered bus will be available from Thessaloniki Airport to Kozani on the afternoon of Monday, June 30 and from Kozani to Thessaloniki Airport on the morning of Saturday, July 26. More information will be provided to accepted students during the pre-departure process.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This course involves travel. Be wary of overpacking. It will be useful to bring with you travel-size cosmetics.

Housing

While in Kozani and Grevena, students will be housed at the University of Western Macedonia’s dormitories in double occupancy, non air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and basic kitchenette equipment. Dormitories are simply furnished; towels and linens will be provided. Dormitory buildings include common lounge spaces for all residents.

While traveling, hotel accommodations will be in simple 2- or 3-star hotels, double- or triple-occupancy, with air-conditioned rooms.

Facilities

Classes will take place at the University of Western Macedonia campus. Basic WIFI is provided in the university dormitories and on campus.  

Meals

When class is in session in Kozani, a full mid-day meal will be served weekdays in the university cafeteria immediately after class. When traveling, hotel breakfast will be offered at the hotels. 

Day-to-day Program & Itinerary

The day-to-day program and itinerary of the course are subject to change. Students are advised not to make plans for their free time or weekends in advance, as class schedules and site visits may be re-scheduled depending on local conditions.