• University of Leeds

Renewable Energy: Achieving Sustainability through Bioenergy

Understand the principles of bioenergy and learn how to harness this form of renewable energy to achieve sustainability.

2,772 enrolled on this course

Visual representation of green energy. A plant growing inside a lightbulb, on a bed of soil.

Renewable Energy: Achieving Sustainability through Bioenergy

2,772 enrolled on this course

  • 2 weeks

  • 4 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Intermediate level

Find out more about how to join this course

Learn about the principles and environmental implications of bioenergy.

On this two week course, you will explore bioenergy, one of the most diverse and readily available sources of renewable energy. You’ll look into what types of biomass can be used and how sustainable energy solutions can be developed in a wide range of communities.

Understand how biomass is formed and how it can be converted into green energy.

You will learn how solar energy converts inorganic matter into biomass and consider the origins of fossil fuel. As you investigate different sources of biofuel, you will explore some of the associated socioeconomic and environmental implications.

You’ll then study how biomass can be converted into clean energy using different technologies before delving into social issues associated with biomass combustion.

Explore the social, economic and environmental implications of bioenergy by looking at global applications and case studies.

You will learn about the use of biogas and liquid biofuels such as palm oil by looking at case studies from around the world.

As you explore how communities use bioenergy, you’ll understand how it can be used to improve access to clean renewable energy to those that need it the most and gain an insight into practical applications.

You will also learn how people use a range of energy technologies in their homes by ‘stacking’ and explore ways that sustainability is enhanced by using bioenergy in different communities.

Develop practical skills that will help you to develop real-life energy solutions.

This skills-based course will enable you to put into practice the knowledge you’ve acquired by conducting a feasibility study for introducing bioenergy technologies into a small community. You will also get to use tools and gather technical information to help you develop your expertise and explore the topic further.

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When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explore some of the basic principles about bioenergy such as the nature of biomass pyrolysis and fermentation.
  • Become conversant with interdisciplinary approaches to renewable energy to see how technical, social, economic and environmental components interact.
  • Develop practical skills on integrated renewable energy such as selection of technologies and feedstocks to match local socio-economic needs.

Who is the course for?

The course is designed for anyone interested in renewable energy, bioenergy and achieving sustainable energy solutions. It will be of particular interest to students studying relevant disciplines, academic researchers, professionals in the energy industry, and NGOs.

The course features examples and case studies from Uganda, Mexico and Indonesia and so it will be of particular interest to communities from these countries as well as countries with similar energy needs.

This course is designed to support you as a professional. By completing all aspects of the course, you will have achieved 8 hours of CPD time.

Who will you learn with?

Jon Lovett is Chair in Global Challenges in the School of Geography at the University of Leeds and works on institutional economics.
http://www.geog.leeds.ac.uk/people/j.lovett

Who developed the course?

University of Leeds

As one of the UK’s largest research-based universities, the University of Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and a centre of excellence for teaching.

Endorsers and supporters

funded by

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council logo

funded by

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funded by

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council logo

content provided by

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content provided by

Resilience Development Initiative logo

content provided by

Centre for Research in Energy and Energy Conservation logo

content provided by

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) logo

content provided by

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew logo

content provided by

GIRA logo

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$79/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 12 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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