ENGM184

2010/1 Module Catalogue

Module Code: ENGM184

Module Title: TRANSITIONS TO A LOW CARBON ECONOMY

Module Provider: Civil, Chemical & Enviromental Eng	Short Name: ENGM184
Level: M	Module Co-ordinator: LEACH MA Prof (C, C & E Eng)
Number of credits: 15	Number of ECTS credits: 7.5

Module Availability

Short course. Spring semester.

Assessment Pattern

100% Assignment

Module Overview

Prerequisites/Co-requisites

None

Module Aims

Energy use and the systems put in place to supply it are responsible for the majority of the world’s emissions of carbon dioxide and hence much climate change policy is directed towards the energy sector. Energy is also central to economic development and social welfare and thus energy security and cost minimisation are high on national policy agendas. Energy markets throughout the world are also evolving rapidly, with privatisation, competition, market structure and regulation remaining prominent issues in the UK, Europe and internationally. The range of challenges for energy policy is diverse and exciting. This Module focuses on the transitions needed from the current situations in energy use, supply, markets and policy to those required as part of a long term, sustainable, low carbon energy system.

The Module aims:

• to develop specialist knowledge of the energy field within a more general environmental/sustainability framework

• to provide students from natural science, engineering, social science and other backgrounds with a broad understanding of the role of energy, and of the range of economic, human and environmental impacts associated with energy systems

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the course, students should be:

• capable of developing policy and strategic energy/carbon management analyses in a broad range of areas across the energy sector

• able to apply their knowledge appropriately to energy issues in both developed and developing countries

• able to write clear, critical and authoritative reports, both on technical subjects and on policy issues concerning energy

Module Content

Introduction to energy: overview of enduse, supply, economics and policy

Energy enduse: current patterns and trends (including transport)

Energy conversion and supply: overview of resources; functions of markets; focus on electricity and transport fuels

Low carbon energy options: carbon management and demand side actions; carbon capture and storage; renewables & nuclear

Low carbon scenarios & energy system transitions; economics and timing of CO2 mitigation; links to Sustainable Development and other policy objectives

Accelerating the transition to a low carbon economy: role of institutions, behavioural change, policy

Open discussion on energy sector responses to climate changey

Methods of Teaching/Learning

Pre course study, lectures, seminars, group exercises, audio and video presentations, post course study

Selected Texts/Journals

Reading pack sent before course