Subject
Sustainable Energy
General details of the subject
- Mode
- Face-to-face degree course
- Language
- English
Description and contextualization of the subject
This module introduces students to the concept of sustainable energy, quantifying impacts of the energy system on human development, climate change, air pollution, energy security and energy poverty. It also introduces energy policy and long-term scenarios for the global energy system.Competencies
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Analyse energy supply and consumption trends | 10.0 % |
| Discuss the impact of policy decisions on energy trends | 20.0 % |
| Quantify energy related environmental impacts, focussing on climate change | 20.0 % |
| Apply knowledge of energy to quantify impacts on energy trends | 15.0 % |
| Explain different facets of security of energy supply | 20.0 % |
| Compare renewable energy environmental impacts with fossil fuels | 15.0 % |
Study types
| Type | Face-to-face hours | Non face-to-face hours | Total hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture-based | 24 | 49 | 73 |
| Seminar | 26 | 26 | 52 |
Training activities
| Name | Hours | Percentage of classroom teaching |
|---|---|---|
| Drawing up reports and presentations | 26.0 | 0 % |
| Individual study | 49.0 | 0 % |
| Lectures | 24.0 | 100 % |
| Seminars | 26.0 | 100 % |
Assessment systems
| Name | Minimum weighting | Maximum weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Drawing up reports and presentations | 20.0 % | 40.0 % |
| Written examination | 60.0 % | 80.0 % |
Learning outcomes of the subject
Analyse energy supply and consumption trends.Discuss the impact of policy decisions on energy trends.
Quantify energy related environmental impacts, focussing on climate change.
Apply knowledge of energy to quantify impacts on energy trends.
Compare renewable energy environmental impacts with fossil fuels.
Explain different facets of security of energy supply.
Temary
Lesson 1. Historical energy transitions; definition of sustainable energy; Introduction to energy systemsLesson 2. The outlook for global energy demand under existing policies; energy balances
Lesson 3. Climate change ¿ science, impact and mitigation; sources of GHG emissions; global and per-capita carbon budgets
Lesson 4. Sustainable Development Goals and the role of energy; energy access, poverty and affordability
Lesson 5. Air pollution and energy links
Lesson 6. Energy security
Lesson 7. IEA Sustainable Development Scenario ¿ Systems analysis of sustainability ¿ sustainability indicators. Understanding sustainability with Kaya identity
Lesson 8. Market development and prospects for renewable electricity, nuclear electricity and hydrogen
Lesson 9. Energy Efficiency ¿ market and behavioural barriers to change ¿ energy innovation
Lesson 10. Policy instruments ¿ carbon tax, mandates and standards. Global agreements and targets
Lesson 11. EU policies and targets. Irish policy context ¿ Climate Action Plan
Bibliography
Basic bibliography
Tester, Drake, Driscoll et. Al., 2005. Sustainable Energy, Choosing Among Options. MIT Press.IEA, 2019. World Energy Outlook. Paris, France.
OECD, 2019. World Energy Balances, Paris, France.
Boyle, Everett, Ramage. Energy Systems and Sustainability. The Open University.