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Module details for 2023/24.

30 credits

FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)

Pre-Requisite

Students must have completed TB1 modules in either ‘Ideas and Concepts in Climate, Development, Economics and Policy’ (854F8) or ‘Political Economy of the Environment’ (L7094A, 802AF);

or demonstrate to the convener that they have completed an equivalent module in this area.

Module Outline

This second term option will introduce students to the key concepts, theories, issues, challenges and debates within climate change and energy policy, together with the main social science approaches to this multifaceted subject. Primary emphasis will be given to economic concepts and techniques, but the course will also include insights from innovation studies and political science. The focus throughout will be the opportunities, challenges and constraints associated with making the transition to a low carbon energy system. Key themes will include the physical characteristics of fossil and renewable energy resources, the process of transition and change in energy systems, the synergies and tensions between sustainability and other policy objectives, and both the rationales for and the limits to public policy intervention. Substantive issues to be covered include: energy flows, technologies, trends and options; perspectives on energy security; resource depletion and `peak oil; energy market liberalisation; the regulation of network industries; innovation in energy systems; carbon/energy taxation and green fiscal reform; carbon emissions trading at the national and international level; policy support for renewable energy; the economics of energy efficiency; the `rebound effect from energy efficiency improvements; and energy use and carbon mitigation in the transport sector. Most of the discussion and examples will relate to OECD countries, but one lecture will cover energy policy in developing countries. Relevant analytical techniques such as cost benefit analysis, decomposition analysis and energy modelling will also be briefly introduced. Assessment will be based upon student presentations, essays and briefings, together with participation in group exercises.

Module learning outcomes

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the technical, economic and political challenges associated with achievinga global transition to net-zero energy systems

Critically appraise relevant ideas from economics, political science and innovation studies and use these to analyse specific problems relevant to this energy transition

Communicate ideas and analysis clearly and effectively in both verbal and written form in a manner suitable for an academic audience.

Demonstrate an ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a group

View timetable

Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Prof Steven Sorrell

Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/2497