Sustainability: Energy Transition
How does energy help us secure a sustainable future? Delve into energy systems to discover the path to sustainable solutions.
Duration
3 weeksWeekly study
4 hours
Sustainability: Energy Transition
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Explore sustainable energy with the experts at the University of Canterbury
To tackle the climate crisis, it’s important for us all to understand the complex problems we face and the significant transformational changes required.
On this three-week course, you’ll identify how energy plays a substantial role in our ability to secure a sustainable future.
Guided by the experts at the University of Canterbury (UC) College of Engineering (COE), this course will help you explore the relationship between energy and emissions, and the effects of climate change on the environment and our future.
Understand the complexity of our current energy systems
You’ll explore why our present energy systems are unsuitable as you identify the changes needed to work towards a sustainable future.
You’ll learn about the complexities of these systems and the need to take into account different parameters, including economic viability, so you understand the many factors to consider in energy transition.
Explore the limitations of renewable energy
With an understanding of our current energy systems, you’ll examine the limitations of renewable energy to help you explore solutions to tackle the challenges we face.
You’ll also explore the principle of energy transition and the concept of Energy Return on Energy Invested (ERoEI) for a deeper understanding of energy systems.
By the end of this course, you’ll have the knowledge to recognise the limitations of our current energy systems and identify the path to energy transition and sustainability.
Syllabus
Week 1
Introduction: the Unsustainability of Continued Growth
Welcome to the Course
You will be introduced to your new course, your course educator and your fellow learners.
Course Information
You will learn about the big question, the week-by-week structure and the assessment in your course.
Introducing Energy Transition
In this activity we are going to learn about energy transition and the narratives around economic growth and sustainability.
Building a Positive Future
In this activity, you will learn why continued growth cannot be sustained.
Wrap-up of Week 1
You will find a Quiz in this activity and an opportunity to reflect about what you've learnt in Week 1.
Week 2
Energy, Emissions and Oil Supply
Introducing Climate Change
In this activity, we are going to explore the concept of climate change and the actions taken to mitigate climate change.
Global emissions and fossil fuels
In this activity, we are going to explore essential activities in your region and their dependence on fossil fuels.
Oil Supply – the Unsustainability of Oil Supply
In this activity we are going to focus in on oil and look at all the complexities and risks related to oil supply.
Wrap-Up of Week 2
You will find a Quiz in this activity and an opportunity to reflect on what you've learnt in Week 2.
Week 3
Renewable Energy Constraints and using EROI to compare energy systems
Introduction to Renewable Energy
In this activity we are going to think about the feasibility of what the media is telling us about the future.
Renewable Energy Limitations
In this activity we are going to take a brief look at some of the challenges of transitioning to renewable energy.
Economic viability of Energy Systems
In this activity we are going to compare different energy systems and their impact on the economy and complete a quiz to test your understanding.
The Journey to Sustainability
In this activity we will begin to summarise what we have learnt about the future of energy and the way forward.
Your Business Case Proposal
This activity includes the assessment for this course and gives you opportunity to communicate what you have learnt through writing a brief business case.
Course Wrap-Up
This activity gives you the opportunity to reflect on what you have learnt in this course and tells you about some courses you can take to continue your learning journey.
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...
- Describe energy's role in our ability to secure a sustainable future.
- Reflect on why our present energy systems are unsustainable.
- Explore the limitations in the transition to Renewable Energy.
- Identify the principles of an economically viable Energy Transition.
Who is the course for?
This course is suitable for anyone interested in contributing to building a sustainable future.
It will be particularly of interest if you want to learn about the role of the energy transition in securing sustainability.
Who will you learn with?
Fiona currently works with New Zealand organisations to assist and support them in their transition to a strong and sustainable future
Patricio has over 10 years of experience in industry and academia. His current area of research focuses on transport as an energy system, working on strategic planning of freight transport systems
Who developed the course?
University of Canterbury
University of Canterbury strives to deliver excellent, research-informed education, and creative and innovative research. UC prepares its graduates to care, think and be future ready.
Established
1873Location
Christchurch, New ZealandWorld ranking
Top 270Source: QS World University Rankings 2021
What's included?
This is a premium course. These courses are designed for professionals from specific industries looking to learn with a smaller group of like-minded individuals.
- Unlimited access to this course
- Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes
- Tests to validate your learning
- Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you're eligible
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- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
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