Course Description

"Sustainable Energy" is an advanced-level course offered by MITx that delves into the critical global challenge of climate change and explores innovative engineering solutions to address this pressing issue. This comprehensive course examines both conventional and renewable energy generation technologies, their worldwide deployment, and their potential roles in shaping the future energy landscape. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of various energy technologies, including solar power, wind power, energy storage, nuclear power, hydropower, and bioenergy.

What Students Will Learn

• Critical evaluation of modern energy technologies, their key features, opportunities, and challenges.
• Understanding how various factors influence the contribution of different energy technologies to global decarbonization efforts.
• Application of systems-level tools and skills to analyze technological, economic, and socio-political aspects of real-world energy projects.
• Strategies for building consensus among stakeholders to achieve sustainability goals.
• Familiarity with economic, political, and social dimensions of energy project planning.
• Advanced tools and strategies for exploring decarbonization pathways in specific contexts.

Prerequisites

• Strong English language skills are recommended.
• Ability to perform mathematical operations; knowledge of calculus is helpful.
• College-level study of physics, engineering, and/or environmental science is beneficial.

Course Topics

• Conventional and renewable energy generation technologies
• Global deployment of energy technologies
• Future roles of various energy technologies
• Solar power
• Wind power
• Energy storage
• Nuclear power
• Hydropower
• Bioenergy
• Economic, political, and social aspects of energy project planning
• Decarbonization pathways and strategies
• Stakeholder consensus-building in energy projects

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for professionals, students, and individuals from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about addressing climate change and interested in sustainable energy solutions. It is particularly suited for those looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of energy technologies, project planning, and decarbonization strategies. The course is designed for learners with a strong foundation in mathematics and science, making it especially valuable for those with backgrounds in engineering, physics, or environmental science.

Real-World Applications

• Energy sector professionals can apply this knowledge to develop and implement sustainable energy projects.
• Policymakers and government officials can use these insights to create informed energy policies and regulations.
• Environmental consultants can leverage this expertise to advise clients on sustainable energy solutions.
• Researchers and academics can build upon this knowledge to further advance sustainable energy technologies.
• Business professionals can identify opportunities in the growing sustainable energy market.
• Urban planners can incorporate sustainable energy solutions into city development projects.
• Entrepreneurs can develop innovative products and services in the renewable energy sector.

Syllabus

The course does not provide a detailed syllabus. However, it covers a wide range of topics related to sustainable energy, including various energy technologies, economic and political aspects of energy project planning, and strategies for decarbonization. The course features lectures from the main instructor, Professor Michael Golay, as well as guest lectures from experts in various energy-related fields.