Competition

The badge system provides a consistent way to recognise modelling expertise across different organisations and tools, creating a clear path for professionals to develop their skills and advance their careers in energy and finance modelling. By encouraging ongoing learning and recognising achievements, it helps build a vibrant community of practice in financial and energy system modelling. The framework is designed to be flexible, accommodating various modelling approaches while promoting awareness of capacity-building opportunities through CCG’s Energy Modelling Platform events and similar programs. This structure not only standardises skill recognition but also connects modellers to a broader professional network, fostering knowledge sharing and professional development in the field of financial and energy modelling. The badge available in this course is the FINPLAN – Bronze Proficiency Badge.

Applicants will earn the FINPLAN - Bronze Proficiency Badge if their submission meets the following criteria:

1.     Completed an intermediate-level in-person training course for FINPLAN (e.g., EMP summer school or equivalent)

2.     Submitted a project report or modelling case study demonstrating the application of learned skills

Evidence required:

·         Upload evidence of attending an in-person training course or master's module / course i.e. certificate of completion/graduation.

·         Provide Zenodo links to materials produced from the course i.e. project report, posters, policy briefs, assessments etc

The badge system provides a consistent way to recognise modelling expertise across different organisations and tools, creating a clear path for professionals to develop their skills and advance their careers in energy and finance modelling. By encouraging ongoing learning and recognizing achievements, it helps build a vibrant community of practice in financial and energy system modelling. The framework is designed to be flexible, accommodating various modelling approaches while promoting awareness of capacity-building opportunities through CCG's Energy Modelling Platform events, and similar programs. This structure not only standardises skill recognition but also connects modellers to a broader professional network, fostering knowledge sharing and professional development in the field of financial and energy modelling. The badge available in this course is the FINPLAN - Silver Proficiency Badge.

Applicants will earn the FINPLAN - Silver Proficiency Badge if their submission meets the following criteria:

1.     Design and develop a complex utility-scale FINPLAN model

2.     Employ advanced FINPLAN techniques such as carbon pricing, heat distribution, etc.

3.     Analyse and interpret results from different modelling scenarios that address real-world policy issues.

4.     Communicate model results and explain their broader implications.

5.     Demonstrate awareness of the limitations and assumptions in advanced FINPLAN models.

Applicant needs to provide evidence of the following activities:

·         Demonstrate 2 years of work/project experience with FINPLAN, OR 1 year of work/project experience, plus a relevant publication.

Evidence required:

Submit one of the following:

·         A completed Master's thesis using FINPLAN

·         A published peer-reviewed paper (as 1st or 2nd author) using FINPLAN

·         A published report (or project output) using FINPLAN

AND a letter of reference from EITHER an academic OR project supervisor (Must highlight 2 years experience)

The badge system provides a consistent way to recognise modelling expertise across different organisations and tools, creating a clear path for professionals to develop their skills and advance their careers in energy and finance modelling. By encouraging ongoing learning and recognizing achievements, it helps build a vibrant community of practice in financial and energy system modelling. The framework is designed to be flexible, accommodating various modelling approaches while promoting awareness of capacity-building opportunities through CCG's Energy Modelling Platform events, and similar programs. This structure not only standardises skill recognition but also connects modellers to a broader professional network, fostering knowledge sharing and professional development in the field of financial and energy modelling. The badge available in this course is the FINPLAN - Gold Proficiency Badge

Applicants will earn the FINPLAN - Gold Proficiency Badge if their submission meets the following criteria:

1. Design, develop, and customise a complex FINPLAN model, extending beyond utility-scale power plants
2. Employ advanced FINPLAN techniques such as carbon pricing, heat distribution, etc.
3. Analyse and interpret results from different modelling scenarios that address real-world policy issues.
4. Communicate model results and explain their broader implications.

5.     Demonstrate awareness of the limitations and assumptions in advanced FINPLAN models.

Applicant needs to provide evidence of the following activities:

• 5 years work/project experience with FINPLAN OR PhD plus 2 years project experience
• Demonstrate at least two of the following skills
• Create innovative improvements and critical assessments of relevant financial modelling techniques and methodologies
• Manage and develop highly complex energy/finance models that are able to solve critical real-world problems
• Apply advanced coding and debugging skills to resolve intricate modelling challenges
• Translate complex modelling results into actionable policy recommendations for senior decision-makers

Evidence required:

Submit one of the following:

• A CV demonstrating the required experience
• Provide links to 2 peer-reviewed academic publications or policy papers, as lead author, showcasing at least two of the above skills 
• OR Documentation of a conference presentation demonstrating 1 of the above skills and a peer-reviewed academic publication or policy paper, as lead author, demonstrating another one of the above skills.

The badge system provides a consistent way to recognise modelling expertise across different organisations and tools, creating a clear path for professionals to develop their skills and advance their careers in energy and finance modelling. By encouraging ongoing learning and recognizing achievements, it helps build a vibrant community of practice in financial and energy system modelling. The framework is designed to be flexible, accommodating various modelling approaches while promoting awareness of capacity-building opportunities through CCG's Energy Modelling Platform events, and similar programs. This structure not only standardises skill recognition but also connects modellers to a broader professional network, fostering knowledge sharing and professional development in the field of financial and energy modelling. The badge available in this course is the FINPLAN – Associate Trainer Badge.

Applicants will earn the FINPLAN – Associate Trainer Badge if their submission meets the following criteria:

1. Hold at least a Bronze proficiency badge in FINPLAN
2. Complete 40 hours of assisting or co-teaching with a Lead Instructor
3. Receive a positive evaluation from a Lead Instructor
4. Successfully lead at least one full training session independently

Applicant needs to provide evidence of the following activities:

• Documentation of training hours and lead instructor evaluation
• Present a sample training session ‘lesson plan’ for assessment

The badge system provides a consistent way to recognise modelling expertise across different organisations and tools, creating a clear path for professionals to develop their skills and advance their careers in energy and finance modelling. By encouraging ongoing learning and recognizing achievements, it helps build a vibrant community of practice in financial and energy system modelling. The framework is designed to be flexible, accommodating various modelling approaches while promoting awareness of capacity-building opportunities through CCG's Energy Modelling Platform events, and similar programs. This structure not only standardises skill recognition but also connects modellers to a broader professional network, fostering knowledge sharing and professional development in the field of financial and energy modelling. The badge available in this course is the FINPLAN – Lead Trainer Badge.

Applicants will earn the FINPLAN – Lead Trainer Badge if their submission meets the following criteria:

1. Hold at least a Silver proficiency badge in FINPLAN
2. Demonstrate previous experience as an Associate Instructor
3. Design and lead a full training program independently
4. Develop comprehensive course materials
5. Receive endorsement from another Lead Instructor – who has observed at least one component of training program – and EMC Track Lead (‘course manager’)

Applicant needs to provide evidence of the following activities:

• Successful delivery of a comprehensive training program and lead instructor evaluation
• Strategy for adapting training to different contexts and learner groups

Evidence required:

• Submit a detailed portfolio showcasing designed training programs and materials