REI Alumnus Spotlight – Vattenfall, Berry Jordan

GMC Certificate Achievers & REI Alumni Spotlight Vattenfall – Berry Jordan

In this section, we focus on the achievements of those who have attended REI courses and those who have attained the internationally recognised Galileo Master Certificate (GMC) to establish their careers in the renewable energy industry. This month, the REI talks to Berry Jordan who works for the Swedish Energy Company Vattenfall. Berry attended the Renewable Energy Management and Finance training course at the University of London in January 2016.

1. What is your current expertise and how does this relate to the renewable energy field? With a background in working with community groups on environmental and agricultural projects, my expertise centres around engaging these communities and groups in matters that need their management and decision-making whether it be developing an environmental project, an agricultural contract or these days, if they are interested in energy projects. I often facilitate meetings, discussions and groups, as well as assist groups with governance and management issues.

2. Why did you choose to train with the Renewable Energy Institute to receive the Galileo Master Certificate (GMC) and Expert Certificate? Entering the private sector in the field of energy, I felt I required a foundation of knowledge about how the energy sector worked – in particular, Solar and Wind technologies. I needed a background, world and local view of all technologies and energies so that I could understand the context of the projects and developments that I work on. In addition to this, it was the offer of in-depth explanation on the course of the concepts that the energy industry is built upon, that I found was much needed for my line of work.

3. What are the skills that you gained with the Renewable Energy Institute, and how have you applied these skills to your career? I gained an in-depth understanding of the energy industry across the world and where the UK sat within that. I also now have a firm understanding of the energy concepts and economic formulas that underpin the industry. In my current role I assist communities and community organisations to gain involvement in our energy projects. Through effective engagement I help them to better understand some of the concepts and facts around energy generation, especially wind generation in the UK, as well as now I am able to demystify some of the more complex information that comes out of government and industry.