With the global push toward cleaner energy accelerating, applications are now open for the 2026 Enel Foundation Open Global Power Program, offering young professionals a pathway into the future of sustainable energy.
- With the global push toward cleaner energy accelerating, applications are now open for the 2026 Enel Foundation Open Global Power...
- The deadline for submissions is May 15, 2026, and competition is expected to be intense as the initiative expands into...
- This hybrid structure allows participants to engage deeply with both global frameworks and local realities shaping the energy sector.
- Next are the territorial modules, which focus on region-specific issues.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on Enel Foundation Italy — everything you need to know is covered below.
The deadline for submissions is May 15, 2026, and competition is expected to be intense as the initiative expands into a fully integrated global platform.
The programme builds on earlier regional initiatives and now brings together participants from Africa, Brazil, and Chile under one unified structure. It focuses on developing technical expertise, regulatory understanding, and business insight needed to drive a fair and innovation-led energy transition.
A Global Training Platform for Energy Professionals
The Open Global Power Program is designed as a high-level learning experience combining academic training, policy engagement, and professional exchange. Participants will gain exposure to global energy systems while also exploring region-specific challenges and opportunities.
Delivered in collaboration with leading academic institutions across Italy, Africa, and Latin America, the programme blends online learning with a selective in-person experience. This hybrid structure allows participants to engage deeply with both global frameworks and local realities shaping the energy sector.
The initiative targets professionals aiming to work across public and private sectors, particularly those interested in electricity systems, renewable energy, and energy policy.
Four-Stage Learning Journey
The 2026 edition is structured into four modules, each designed to build expertise progressively. The programme begins with a four-week online foundational module, requiring about six hours of study per week. This stage introduces core concepts in energy systems and sustainability.
Participants then move into a global policy and regulation module, delivered over approximately four months through a mix of self-paced and live sessions. This phase explores governance, market design, and international energy frameworks.
Next are the territorial modules, which focus on region-specific issues. These four-week online sessions require between four and eight hours per week and allow participants to examine localised energy challenges.
Top-performing candidates—about 10 per cent of the cohort—will be selected for a final residential module in Italy. This in-person experience offers direct engagement with experts, policymakers, and industry leaders.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
The programme is open to applicants aged 24 to 35 as of April 13, 2026. Candidates must be citizens of an African country, Brazil, or Chile and either reside in one of these countries or plan to relocate there by the end of 2026.
Applicants must hold a master’s degree, MBA, or PhD, with at least one degree obtained from an eligible region. Undergraduate students and those currently enrolled in graduate programmes are not eligible.
Proficiency in English at the CEFR C1 level is required, along with the ability to travel to Italy. Candidates must also demonstrate a clear interest in pursuing a career in the energy sector.
Required application materials include a CV, academic certificates and transcripts, a copy of your passport, a motivation letter of up to 700 words, and two reference letters. All documents must be submitted in English.
Building the Next Generation of Energy Leaders
As countries work to balance energy access, affordability, and sustainability, the need for skilled professionals continues to grow. The Enel Foundation’s Open Global Power Program aims to prepare participants to take on these challenges with a global perspective and practical expertise.
With its expanded scope and structured learning model, the 2026 edition is a key opportunity for emerging leaders to shape the future of energy.