95946 - Energy Decarbonisation and the Transition to Net Zero

Learning outcomes

The course aims at providing students with the necessary knowledge on the energy decarbonisation and the transition to net zero. The energy sector leads global decarbonisation in itself and is primed to support all other sectors in achieving net zero in the next decades. The course will also focus on decisions on sustainable energy policy and on placing international economy systems in a pathway that will enable net zero emissions and economic growth. Students will learn about multi-sector electrification and complete decarbonisation as essential planning tools in using the most up-to-date and forthcoming energy innovations in combination with renewable energy to achieve those goals. The steps through this energy transition will be approached via the lens of market focused technological and policy assessments and at multiple scales ranging from global energy trade to microgrid systems. Regulatory and corporate insights will provide cases of focus in comparative technological assessments in a range of countries with varying resource endowments.

Course contents

Renewable Energy – Technologies, Applications & Challenges

Modern Energy Systems and the need for Flexibility – Energy Storage

Documentary on Island Decarbonization

Electricity Consumption and Energy Costs at the Residential Scale

Energy Prosumers - Renewable & Storage Schemes for the Residential Sector

Introduction to Coursework (Group Assignment)

- Computational Framework & Scenarios

- Techno-economic Evaluation Framework (Energy & Economic KPIs)

- Optimization and Stochastic Modeling

Deliverables: Series of group presentations & final group assignment / presentation

Assessment methods

Mark range:

• 18-19: knowledge of a very limited number of topics covered in the course and analytical skills that emerge only with the help of the teacher, expressed in an overall correct language;
• 20-24: knowledge of a limited number of topics covered in the course and ability to autonomous analysis only on purely executive matters, expression in correct language;
• 25-29: good knowledge of a large number of topics covered in the course, ability to make independent choices of critical analysis, mastery of specific terminology;
• 30-30 cum laude: excellent knowledge of the topics covered in the course, ability to make autonomous choices of critical analysis and connection, full mastery of specific terminology and ability to argue and self-reflection.

Office hours

See the website of Dimitrios Zafeirakis