Global Energy Transition in a Fossil World

OVERVIEW
The need for a global transition to a low-carbon energy sector is contested by few, but opinions on what this means in practice and on how to get there vary widely. This course will focus on the societal side of energy transition and the dilemmas that still need to be solved for effective change. 

LEVEL
Advanced Bachelor/Master

COURSE CONTENT

In December 2023, at COP28 in the UAE, the world agreed that we need to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems. Does this truly signal the ‘beginning of the end’ for the fossil fuel era? After all, meeting the Paris climate goals remains far from a done deal. While the need for a global transition to a low-carbon energy system is contested by few, opinions on what this means in practice and how to get there vary between mainly technical and engineering interventions to radical societal change.

This course focuses on the societal and political sides of the energy transition, whilst taking into account the physical and technical limitations of the energy system, as well as the global boundaries in which we operate. It will give you a broad overview of the global energy transition’s needs, its challenges and solutions, and the trade-offs generated by different (policy) options. It will challenge you to critically assess your own preferred solutions – including their main advantages and disadvantages. The course will further introduce you to the leading theories, concepts, proposed solutions, and current governance efforts in the energy transition. You will study challenges and opportunities at a global level, as well as regional, national, and local approaches in the Netherlands and beyond.

Finally, this course will feature guest speakers from diverse backgrounds, offering varied perspectives on the global energy transition. Excursions provide practical insights into the challenges and opportunities of moving away from fossil fuels. By incorporating these external voices and real-world experiences, the course aims to enrich critical analysis, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues involved in transitioning to a low-carbon energy system. Additionally, the course offers workshops in academic writing and presentation skills.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• understand the main concepts and theories in energy transition and be able to put them into the wider context of global sustainable development;
• Recognise what has been achieved on the road of the energy transition so far;
• Grasp the most critical challenges and opportunities for the future of the energy transition;
• Critically assess their own preferred solutions for the energy transition, including the main advantages and disadvantages;
• Share practical insights into the ‘transition on the ground’ through excursions and guest lectures from experts with diverse backgrounds.

TEACHING METHODS
Lectures, excursions, discussions, group work, games

TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
Essay, Presentation, Active participation

FIELD VISITS

This year’s course is organised completely online. Nevertheless we will organise a variety of virtual excursions to meet key stakeholders in the Dutch energy sector and to discuss current and future developments with them.
We will visit:

• The Citizens’ Energy Cooperation ‘Zuiderlicht’ in Amsterdam to discuss bottom-up perspectives on the energy sector.
• Shell International Laboratories, Amsterdam,  to explore the views of a large international oil company.
• The Dutch Ministry of Economy and Climate to hear about policy makers’ considerations on the national and international energy transition.
• The NGO Milieudefensie ( ‘Friends of the Earth’) in Amsterdam, to understand campaigners views on energy transition.

TARGET AUDIENCE
Bachelor’s students, Master’s students and energy professionals with an interest in energy transition and sustainability, societal transformation and governance.