MOØ231 Sustainable energy: Technology, management and governance

Contents and structure

The knowledge content of this course covers technology, management, organisation and innovation for renewable energy and sustainable production. The course is organised on the basis of several regional innovation projects for renewable technology, organisation and strategies. In the course such local level innovation activities are linked up with broader national and supranational strategies for realising the shift from fossil to renewable energy sources. Energy is the backbone of our economies, and the energy systems of the world are in flux. The drivers of change are a combination of the need for more affordable and reliable energy, technological innovations and the anxieties of global warming. New technologies are emerging within a range of energy sectors, requiring and releasing changes of supporting infrastructure and regulatory systems.

In the course, comparative studies from national, regional and global level will be important. Energy sources from carbon, hydro, solar, biomass and wind will be discussed in both their technological aspects as well as regulative, socioeconomic and market-related aspects. The basic idea for the course is twofold: 1: to connect technological issues with the broader social, organizational end environmental context and impact; and 2: to connect the micro- management of local firms and enterprises to the macro-governance of national and supranational government agencies. What regulatory mechanisms are favourable for realising the shift form fossil to renewable energy sources? How can the shift to renewable energy be reconciled with various political, economic, social and environmental concerns?

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

On completion of the course, the student has advanced knowledge of:

• The main sources and technologies for energy supply in Norway, Europe and on the global level.
• Technological background of renewable energy sources
• Innovations for renewable energy.
• theories of energy markets
• Technology management and governance
• Drivers and barriers for the shift from fossile to renewable energy
• Different regulatory instruments for facilitating technological innovation and change.
• Energy sector development and its impact for climate change and other environmental issues.
• stakeholder theory and principles for business ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Skills

On completion of the course the student can:

• carry out data collection with the necessary skills for conducting critical research on energy, energy technology, innovation, regulative systems and climate change relevance.
• analyse energy technology, regulative systems and climate change relevance.
• analyse the impact of regulatory systems on innovative capacities.

Competence

On completion of the course the student:

• can participate in consultancy work in the areas of energy, relevant technology, regulation and management.
• can communicate relevant topics to both specialists and non-specialists.
• knows when further expertise is necessary, and where it can be found.
• knows relevant conditions under which energy and technology should be analysed in a broader context.

Entry requirements

Ingen

Recommended previous knowledge

Completion of first and second semesters.

Teaching methods

The most important success factor is self-study and participating in organised seminars with student presentations. Self-study is important in order to benefit from course readings and assignments. This will be complemented by traditional lectures and working through some examples in addition to guest lectures with a more practical perspective. The course will include presentations and visits to local firms and enterprises within the green technology sector and one seminar outside HVL.

The teaching method of the subject will depend on the number of students enrolled in the class.

Compulsory learning activities

Oral presentation and discussion in class. 

Course requirements are valid in the examination semester and 3 following semesters.

Assessment

Written assignment (term paper), (100% of the final assessment).

Grading scale is A-F where F is fail.

Examination support material

None

More about examination support material