Term and Year of offering: Spring 2023
Course Number and Title: MSCI 760 002 Topic 24: Energy Policies
Instructor’s Name: Jatin Nathwani
Course Description: See description in the Graduate Calendar
Our goal is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the drivers of energy policies and plans in support of sustainable development. We focus on assessments, strategies, and policy instruments to help shape an energy transition for a low carbon future.
Decision-makers need to chart a course for a global energy transition that extends over several decades with all the uncertainties and multiple constraints that involve fundamental trade-offs including technology choices, economic, social and environmental factors. Assessing the effectiveness of specific strategies and approaches to achieving a low-carbon energy future through a comparative analysis of national and international experiences is an essential part of the course requirement. Emphasis is on a critical analysis of the academic literature and linkages to global energy transition scenarios and frameworks (i.e. the UN Sustainable Development Goals).
The electricity sector illustrates of the challenges and complexities of the broader energy sector. We situate Canada’s energy challenges and opportunities consistent with meeting national GHG targets and the requirements of energy security for adequacy of supply. We address the mega trends of urbanization, digitalization and smart energy networks, distributed resources, e-mobility and energy efficiency and how they shape national decisions on energy system choices.
A simulation model of the global energy system and diffusion of innovation provide a the core base for understanding the technical developments of an energy transition plan and negotiation skills. At the end of the course, you will have developed a firm understanding of the complexities inherent in energy policy making and critical analysis skills for developing policy advice and recommendations.
Requirements/Expectations:
This is a seminar/lecture course with strong emphasis on critical thinking, extensive readings, ability to defend the policy assumptions of an energy plan and active participation in class comprise the course requirement. Pre-requisite for the course is previous academic background in energy studies, strategic development, or planning. Full participation in a group project is required.
This is a basic course description made available for public reference only. The Graduate Calendar is always the official source for all course descriptions. Course Syllabi will be distributed by the instructor in class. For additional details not found here, please contact the listed instructor.