Admission requirements
Required course(s):
None.
Recommended course(s)
- Energy and Resource Management
Description
What energy future(s) can we expect in the decades to come? Perhaps we will see solar installations in the Sahara, or the Atlantic coast lined with wave energy generators, from Scotland to Portugal. We might see hundreds of new nuclear power stations and tidal installations, along with wind turbines on every hill and ridgeline. Energy systems planners and decision-makers are facing multiple challenges, as besides tackling environmental concerns, they must make energy transitions resilient, inclusive and affordable.
In this course, we will investigate future energy scenarios and quantify their influence on the transition to a more sustainable and resilient future for humans.
The first part of the course will cover the technologies needed for harnessing renewable energy, including wind, wave, tidal, hydro, solar, and geothermal energies. We will also investigate nuclear energy options.
We will then examine the tools that can be used to assess the sustainability and resilience of energy technologies and systems. These include risk assessment and management, as well as life cycle sustainability assessment.
To operationalize this knowledge, students will shape a ‘hands-on’ project to assess the opportunities, advantages, and disadvantages of each energy type; always keeping in mind the scientific, social, and environmental plausibility of each energy source. Particular focus will be placed on what has facilitated and what is posing a challenge to the adoption of renewable energy technologies.
Course Objectives
Knowledge:
Learn about the main types of renewable energy sources, their origin, the current contribution to the energy supply, and their potentials
Learn about the main tools used to assess the sustainability and resilience of energy technologies and systems
Understand the complexities involved in energy systems analysis and management
Skills:
Develop a well-rounded perspective on the multiple benefits and impacts that energy technologies can have on humans and the environment
Map the role of the stakeholders in shaping energy systems analysis and management
Timetable
Timetables for courses offered at Leiden University College in 2024-2025 will be published on this page of the e-Prospectus.
Mode of instruction
This course will consist of a mix of structured lectures, class discussions, and workshops. During the workshops, small group meetings with the instructor will be key to shape students’ critical thinking and analysis capabilities.
Assessment Method
5% participation (during the whole block)
40% (week 4) written in-class exam to test knowledge on energy technologies and assessment tools
15% (week 7) presentation of group project
40% (week 8) group project report
Reading list
Several readings will be made available throughout the course. These will include news articles, journal publications and book chapters, including some from these key resources:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23789689.2019.1610600
https://www.psi.ch/sites/default/files/import/ta/PublicationTab/Final-Report-BFE-Project.pdf
https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/handbook-on-life-cycle-sustainability-assessment-9781800378643.html
Registration
Courses offered at Leiden University College (LUC) are usually only open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Leiden University students who participate in one of the university’s Honours tracks or programmes may register for one LUC course, if availability permits. Registration is coordinated by the Education Coordinator, course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.
Contact
Dr. Marco Cinelli, m.cinelli@luc.leidenuniv.nl
Remarks
Who should attend this course?
Students with a passion to solve energy management challenges with sound and inclusive data and stakeholders-driven solutions.