Energy planning and applications (MJ2472)

Energy is an essential element in the development of modern society. At the same time, energy harnessing and use have been the cause of environmental impacts such as acidification of forests and lakes, destruction of eco-systems and climate change. Our energy systems are resource intensive and dependent on non-renewable sources of energy. This has to be changed! However, the transition towards sustainable energy systems and a green economy has only started, and many challenges lay ahead.

Combining energy planning with concrete actions to forge new solutions for energy generation, and improved energy efficiency is essential in the process of building a green economy. Different actors have different roles in this process. They also have different perspectives when it comes to how they understand incentives and opportunities within given frameworks. The energy planning process has a different character and objective depending on the actor involved. Regional (e.g. EU), and national energy policy is translated into plans at the municipal level, which are concretized in collaboration between energy companies, industries and other end-users. Energy actions need to be coordinated with other planning activities within the municipality, and various sustainability goals. Meanwhile, energy markets are changing fast, affected by policies and influencing the way choices of energy technologies and business investments are being made.

In this course, we study energy planning and implementation of action plans for energy and climate towards building the green economy. Invited lecturers will present the roles of various actors, such as municipalities, energy companies, industries and other market actors. Each year, and in-depth study is made. In 2014, a concrete case of energy planning around a steel company was studied in detail by the students.

Learning Objectives

The course aims at providing understanding about the transition from planning to implementation in energy-related transformations. This is done by analyzing on-going processes and projects and the role in the transformation of the economy. The Swedish experiences on the development of sustainable energy systems serves as the starting point for analysis.

Expected Outcomes

After completion of the course the students should be able to: (i) analyse and discuss practical examples of energy planning in industrial and municipal settings, (ii) compare different national contexts in the area, and (iii) identify synergies between energy and other systems and the possibilities for creating or improving symbiotic relations.

Prerequisites

Bachelor degree or three year university level education in relevant areas. Documented proficiency in english B or equivalent.

Grading

The full completion of the course entails 9 ECTS, distributed as follows:

                      INL1              Written Analysis                  2 ECTS         Pass/Fail

                      INL2              Case Description                2 ECTS         Pass/Fail

                      PRO1            Written Final Report           5 ECTS         A-F

Participation is mandatory in lectures to pass the activites of the course. Active participation in the seminars affect the final grade.

 

For more information

Research unit                                         Energy and Climate Studies (ECS), KTH

Course examiner                                    Prof. Semida Silveira, Head of ECS

Course coordinator                                 Maria Xylia (xylia@kth.se)