Course Description

The "Decarbonisation of the Power Sector" course is an intermediate-level program designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the crucial steps towards building a cleaner, more sustainable power sector. This course delves into the intricate relationship between increasing greenhouse gases and global warming, exploring the concept of decarbonisation in the power sector. It offers a multifaceted approach to understanding the importance of reducing greenhouse gas intensity and transitioning to renewable electricity sources.

What You Will Learn

• Gain an in-depth understanding of the key drivers behind decarbonising the economy and the power sector.
• Develop the ability to make informed decisions and create policies that support a low-carbon power system tailored to local contexts.
• Acquire the skills to confidently present arguments in favor of clean power initiatives, considering local circumstances.
• Prepare for more advanced courses on policies supporting a low-carbon power sector.
• Understand the advantages and disadvantages of various decarbonisation actions.

Prerequisites

This course does not have any specific prerequisites, making it accessible to a wide range of professionals and enthusiasts interested in clean power and sustainable energy business.

Course Content

• The political economy of decarbonisation
• Climate change and its impact on the power sector
• Energy policy and its role in the transition to clean power
• Energy access and its importance in developing sustainable power systems
• The relationship between climate change and public health
• Greenhouse gas reduction strategies
• Renewable electricity technologies and implementation
• The concept of carbon footprint and its significance
• Energy transition challenges and opportunities
• Sustainable energy business models

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for advisors to senior decision-makers in government, civil society activists, and individuals interested in understanding and promoting renewable electricity. It is also suitable for professionals working in the energy sector, environmental organizations, and policymakers looking to develop more nuanced and detailed arguments for clean power initiatives.

Real-World Applications

• Developing and implementing effective energy policies at local, national, or international levels.
• Creating strategies for transitioning to renewable power sources in different geographic and economic contexts.
• Advising businesses and organizations on reducing their carbon footprint and adopting sustainable energy practices.
• Designing public awareness campaigns on the importance of clean power and climate action.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to address energy access challenges in developing regions.
• Conducting research on the health impacts of climate change and advocating for clean energy solutions.
• Evaluating and proposing green energy projects for sustainable urban development.

Syllabus

Introduction: Why Decarbonise?

Module 1: Political Economy
Instructor: Shane Tomlinson, Director, E3G

Module 2: Climate Change
Instructor: Professor Joanna Haigh, Co-Director, Grantham Institute, Imperial College London

Module 3: Energy Policy
Instructor: Professor Richard Green, Professor of Sustainable Energy Business, Imperial College London

Module 4: Energy Access
Instructor: Dr. Clementine Chambon, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Oorja; Postdoctoral Research Assistant, Imperial College London

Module 5: Climate Change and Health
Instructor: Dr. Kris Murray, Lecturer, School of Public Health, Imperial College London

By enrolling in this course, learners will be at the forefront of the global energy transition, equipped with the knowledge and skills to drive the decarbonisation of the power sector and contribute to a sustainable, low-carbon future.