The Energy Trilemma

GD311

Module Convenor:

Dr Jonathan Clarke

Option:

Final year GSD Undergraduates

Term 1

15 CATS

10 x 2 hour seminars

4 lecture hours

Not available to students outside GSD without prior approval.

Principal Aims

Global energy markets are in a period of dramatic transition. The emergence of shale gas, mostly notably in the US, has been disruptive to the industry, leading to falling oil prices. This has challenged the long-time dominant position of international oil companies (e.g. BP, Shell, ExxonMobil) in the petroleum sector. Natural gas has emerged as a potentially important ‘bridging fuel’ to a low carbon future, with several leading national economies, including China, making the switch from carbon-intensive oil and coal to this ‘lower-carbon’ alternative. Away from oil and gas, renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly cost competitive and are gaining societal and governmental support.

The energy transition alters the global dynamics of energy security, with some countries finding their energy independence challenged, whilst others enjoy the economic growth that is inherently linked to energy abundance. A similar distinction can be made between populations with regards to energy equity: the accessibility and affordability of energy, and as with energy security this too is in a state of flux due to changing market conditions. These three dimensions – sustainability, energy security and energy equity constitute an ‘energy trilemma’; the focus of this module.

The module addresses the challenges posed by the trilemma to national, regional and local economies, and in developing, emerging and developed economic contexts. In addition to the trilemma’s aforementioned dimensions, the module will also consider concerns of energy efficiency, ‘green growth’, sustainable energy governance and cooperation, and technology and infrastructure. In this regard, the module will broaden the student’s knowledge and understanding of the key issues around the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 7.

Principal Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the module, students will be able to:

• Identify the leading issues around energy security, equity and sustainability across different economic and geographical contexts;

• Critically analyse the differing approaches of national and regional governments in managing energy resources and pursuing sustainable energy futures;

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of the significance of energy to economic growth and societal well-being;

• Appreciate the value of engagement between universities, governments, industry, non-government organisations and communities in developing sustainable energy solutions;

• Illustrate an understanding of the critical role of technology and innovation to sustainable energy futures;
• Demonstrate further development of their research skills;

• Critically analyse and synthesise academic findings and industry research into clear and concise outputs that are tailored for several different audiences.

Employability Skills

Through this module, you will develop a number of different skills that are sought by employers which will support your professional development. We have highlighted this to enable you to identify and reflect on the skills you have acquired and apply them throughout your professional journey including during the recruitment processes whether this on an CV/application form or at an interview.

Written communication – Developed through assessments involving writing on energy issues for non-specialist audiences such as articles.
Oral communication – Delivering an analytical and persuasive presentation to an audience on the national energy assessment.
Research – Conducting industry specific research and analysis of existing policy and publications.

Syllabus

The module is structured across five distinct themes, each of which is allocated two seminars. Reading materials will be provided to the students ahead of each seminar in support of a problem-focussed and participative approach to the topic in the weekly seminars. Lectures will provide further context in those weeks that require it.

GLOBAL ENERGY AND THE ENERGY TRANSITION

1. Global energy and sustainability
2. Energy trilemma in different economic contexts

ENERGY EQUITY AND SECURITY
3. Energy security
4. Energy equity

ENERGY EFFICIENCY
5. Energy efficiency

6. Group poster presentation

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY GOVERNANCE AND COOPERATION

7. Sustainable energy governance
8. International cooperation and development programmes

INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
9. Technological challenges in sustainability
10. Green innovation and green growth

Assessment

Coursework

Energy Project (2000 words) (45%)

Article for non-academic audience (1500 words) (30%)

(In-person) Group Presentation (25%)

Please note: Module availability and staffing may change year on year depending on availability and other operational factors. The School for Cross-faculty Studies makes no guarantee that any modules will be offered in a particular year, or that they will necessarily be taught by the staff listed on this page.