Energy Transition in Europe

The course is intended to provide students with an understanding of the issues and dynamics underlying the European Union’s (EU’s) efforts to lead the worldwide transition to low- and zero-greenhouse gas energy systems. The energy transition is unfolding around the globe with features that reflect each country’s distinct energy endowments, economic strengths and weaknesses, political priorities, and governance systems. In this course, we will examine the drivers of the European debate over the energy transition, from public pressure to protect the environment and avoid climate change, to technology innovations that are impacting all aspects of energy use – in power generation, industrial energy systems, buildings and transportation.