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Clean Energy Finance Bootcamp
Overview
To avoid the worst outcomes of climate change, we need to rapidly transition to clean, sustainable and just energy systems. The availability and cost of capital is a critical determinant in scaling renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, making finance a key lever to drive clean energy transitions.
This bootcamp introduces the finance aspects of the clean energy economy. There is a focus on renewable energy generation, as mass electrification using clean generation sources is necessary to sustain our energy-dependent lives and economies, as well as energy efficiency. Finance will be discussed as a barrier to, or enabler of, greater adoption of clean energy.
By the end of the bootcamp, students should be able to:
1. Summarize some of the financial techniques for bringing clean energy to markets
2. Understand basic financial models for evaluating clean energy opportunities
3. Discuss some of the key opportunities and challenges faced in transitioning to clean energy
The bootcamp is designed to provide students with practical knowledge about the clean energy economy with a focus on finance. A variety of different teaching methods will be used including lecture, interactive discussion, role-playing, and a hands-on assignment.
During the bootcamp, the timing and content identified below may be adjusted slightly if needed in attempt to support the targeted learning outcomes.
Winter 2025 Bootcamp
Energizing Change: Inside the Irving Institute's Clean Energy Finance Bootcamp
In an effort to foster the next generation of clean energy leaders, the Irving Institute hosted an intensive Clean Energy Finance (CEF) Bootcamp on January 24-25, 2025. With a focus on equipping 21 undergraduate students with vital skills, the event was spearheaded by Curtis Probst, CEO of the New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation (NYCEEC). The curriculum delved into the nuances of clean energy, key finance concepts, and modeling of energy projects, setting the stage for impactful learning.
The program laid a comprehensive foundation, providing essential context and a variety of modules from theoretical lectures to practical modeling exercises and immersive role-play that navigated the current political environment.
"I liked that the bootcamp included a variety of modules from the lectures, sample modeling, to role play of the current political environment. It was very comprehensive." –2025 CEF Bootcamp participant
Participants engaged in hands-on workshops where they tackled financial models and lending principles, exploring various financing mechanisms pivotal to the clean energy transition. The bootcamp concluded with a participatory debate, encouraging critical thinking and application of learned concepts.
"There are multiple financial mechanisms to bring about the clean energy transition. But context matters and it is important to discern which mechanism is best. Thank you so much for putting on this programming! I wouldn't have learned about this important sector otherwise." –2025 CEF Bootcamp participant
The bootcamp not only expanded the students' understanding of an evolving field but also inspired them to consider how they can contribute to sustainable energy solutions in their future careers.
Sample Bootcamp Schedule
Day One
- The Context of Clean Energy, (including PechaKuchas, a storytelling format with 20 slides, each shown for 20 seconds)
- Key Finance Concepts and Modelling Energy Projects
- Dinner
- Cash Flow Model Demonstration
Day Two
- Breakfast
- Hands-on Exercise with Financial Models
- Key Principles for Energy Lending
- Role-Playing Exercise
- Lunch
- Financing Mechanisms for Clean Energy
- Class Debate
- Wrap-up and Conclusion
About the Instructor
curtisprobst.jpeg
Curtis Probst is CEO of New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation. NYCEEC is a public-private-philanthropic partnership that finances energy efficiency and clean energy projects in New York City and the surrounding region, with a focus on disadvantaged communities. Before joining NYCEEC in 2018, he was a Managing Director and the Head of Sustainable Finance for RMI. Previously, Curtis worked in investment banking for over 24 years. Most recently, he was a Managing Director and the Head of Corporate Structured Finance at Goldman Sachs where he worked for over 15 years. Before joining Goldman Sachs, he worked at Salomon Brothers for over 8 years.
Since 2016, Curtis has also been an adjunct faculty member of Columbia University where he teaches a graduate level course in clean energy finance. He has also taught at Dartmouth College and University of Calgary. In addition to his other professional activities, Curtis has held board positions at several organizations and has spoken on sustainability and finance at numerous events in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Curtis received a BComm from University of Calgary, an MPA from Columbia University, an EdD from University of Pennsylvania, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.