Admission requirements
Participation in the seminar is only permitted if the propaedeutic phase has been passed (60 EC).
Description
Reliable and affordable energy supply has been central to sustaining modern economies and societies. While energy developments have always been political with a prominent state role, the necessity to decarbonize the energy systems to mitigate climate change have turned energy policy and planning in one of the most contentious political and governance issues. Although fossil-fuels still continue to play a dominant role in the global energy supply, the transition towards new renewable energy sources has unfolded at an unprecedented pace reshaping the political institutions, interests and ideas. In this seminar, we will introduce some of the key concepts in energy debates (energy security, energy justice, energy transformation) and discuss the main institutional architecture and political drivers behind energy policy in a multi-level context. A particular focus will be placed on the tensions between the declining fossil fuel-based system and the emerging low-carbon governance structures. Throughout the seminar, we will combine the conceptual discussions with the analyzes of timely case studies of energy decision-making at different governance levels (local, regional, national, EU, global).
Method of Instruction
Seminar
Study Material
Articles (see Syllabus)
Assessment Method
Assessment method: Participation (10%), response paper (20%), research outline (35%), policy brief (35%)
Registration
See 'Practical Information'
Timetable
See 'MyTimetable'