Perspectives on the Energy transition

Objectives:

This course provides a broad introduction to the global energy tansition, with particular relevance for society and working life. Its aim is to equip students with practical knowledge, key competencies, and a conceptual framework that professionals in different sectors to describe, address, and discuss issues related to transition and sustainability. The course takes a broad and interdisciplinary approach to the energy transition and covers themes from the natural sciences, social sciences, law, ethics and economics.

Content:

The course is divided into six thematic modules. The first module offers an introduction to the energy transition and sustainability. The second module provides the scientific and ethical background to the transition, addressing the causes and consequences of climate change, as well as ethical and moral dilemmas related to responsibility and burden-sharing in mitigating climate change. The third module provides a brief overview of various renewable energy sources before shifting its main focus to energy storage and subsurface storage. Module four examines the natural resources and technologies that are essential for the transition, and explores how access to and utilisation of these resources influence the pace and feasibility of the energy transition. The fifth module addresses the legal aspects of the energy transition, including the relevant regulatory and legislative frameworks that govern climate policy, energy systems, and resource management. The final module focuses on energy transition and society, covering topics such as land use, social sciences, politics, and economics.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skillsand general competence:

Knowledge

Upon completing the course, the student will have an advanced knowledge of

• the drivers, motivations, and processes behind the transition toward a more sustainable energy system and a low-emission society.
• scientific theories and research-based knowledge on climate change, resources, and the technologies that enable the energy transition.
• key technologies in the energy transition, including hydrogen, CO2 capture and storage (CCS), mineral requirements, and artificial intelligence, and their technical and societal implications.
• interdisciplinary challenges related to the energy transition, with particular emphasis on environmental, technical, legal, economic and social science perspectives.
• legal frameworks and regulatory mechanisms that govern and influence the energy transition.

Skills

Upon completing the course, the students will be able to

• analyse issues related to the energy transition by integrating technological, natural science, legal, and social science perspectives.
• critically assess different technological and societal solutions, including their sustainability, risks, ethical implications, and regulatory contexts.
• apply legal principles and methods to discuss regulatory challenges and understand appropriate governance mechanisms within the energy transition.
• use disciplinary knowledge independently and accurately in interdisciplinary analyses, discussions, and decision-making processes related to the energy transition.

General competence

Upon completing the course, the students will be able to

• exercise critical and research-based judgement when faced with complex and interdisciplinary issues related to the energy transition.
• analyse and communicate connections between natural science, technology, law, and society in the development of a low-emission society.
• convey advanced disciplinary knowledge and discuss scientific, technological, and legal challenges related to the energy transition, in a clear and precise manner.
• critically reflect on how issues within the energy transition relate to their own profession, sector, or field of practice, and apply this insight in professional and strategic decision-making.