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Transforming Energy Systems

Module description

This module provides a critical introduction to the key challenges and solutions relating to the process of energy system change.

Energy systems are integral to modern society. They are also undergoing profound transformation, not only in terms of technological change, but also to the roles and responsibilities of actors within the system. In this module you will:

• Learn about the role of energy systems in progressing towards net zero as well as contributing to wider environmental, societal and economic outcomes.
• Examine the specific challenges and opportunities related to electricity, heat and transport systems.
• Explore the shifting geography of energy technologies and infrastructures.
• Understand the role of innovation in affecting the speed and direction of transition.
• Learn about the role of individuals households, communities, governments and businesses in enabling (and resisting) system transformation.

This module adopts an interdisciplinary approach to understand the process of change from multiple perspectives. We will focus on real-world examples and discuss issues as they unfold in real time. The module requires no specific prior skills or experience and there are no prerequisites. 

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module will give you a comprehensive understanding of the key components (social and technological) of energy systems, as well as a basis for understanding and assessing processes of energy system change. Emphasis is placed on the interconnected and dynamic nature of energy systems and the importance of system-thinking in understanding challenges and assessing solutions and as such, it will provide you with a firm foundation of the key issues decision-makers, researchers and other stakeholders working on energy are facing. You will learn how to draw on multiple disciplines to understand and communicate complex issues relating to energy systems and system change. You will engage with real-world challenges as they unfold and spend time with real-world case studies of sustainable energy solutions. There will also be opportunities to learn from specialists actively working on real-world energy issues.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Describe the theories and practicalities relating to energy system change
• 2. Describe and evaluate the key issues and questions (whether technical, social, institutional, economic) that energy policy has to deal with
• 3. Articulate the components and principles of effective governance within the context of changing energy systems
• 4. Articulate the relationship between change in energy systems and wider themes in sustainability

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Synthesise material appropriately from a broad range of disciplines to support analyses
• 6. Demonstrate a self-reflective approach to learning
• 7. Describe sustainable development and how the principles operate

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 8. Devise and sustain a logical and reasoned argument with sound, convincing conclusions
• 9. Articulate ideas and arguments using a variety of formats in a manner appropriate to the intended audience
• 10. Critically reflect on learning experiences and your own performance
• 11. Manage deadlines
• 12. Work within groups as well as independently

Syllabus plan

Module content evolves from year to year to reflect current issues and debates, but will generally cover the following topics:

• Energy systems and sustainability
• Key technological and social dimensions of energy systems
• The politics of energy systems
• Energy policymaking
• The shifting economics of energy systems
• Balancing the supply and demand of energy
• The role of people and communities

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to re-submit coursework as necessary. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Bridge et al (2018) Energy and Society: A critical perspective. London, Routledge.
• CCC (2019) Net Zero. The UK’s contribution to stopping global warming. Committee on Climate Change.
• CCC (2024). Progress report to Parliament. Available at: https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/progress-in-reducing-emissions-2024-report-to-parliament/
• May 2019. https://www.theccc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Net-Zero-The-UKs-contribution-to-stopping-global-warming.pdf
• Grubb, M. et al. 2014. Planetary economics: energy, climate change and the three domains of sustainable development. New York, Routledge
• Hill, M.J. (2009) The Public Policy Process. Harlow: Longman
• HM Government (2024). Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. Available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/clean-power-2030-action-plan
• IEA (2024) World Energy Outlook 2024. Available at: https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2024
• IPCC (2018) Special Report on Global warming of 1.5°C – (especially the Summary for Policymakers) Available at: https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/
• Mitchell C. (2008) The Political Economy of Sustainable Energy. London, Palgrave
• Mitchell, C. Momentum is increasing towards a flexible electricity system based on renewables. Nat Energy 1, 15030 (2016). Available at https://www.nature.com/articles/nenergy201530
• Scrase I. & MacKerron (2009) Energy for the Future: A New Agenda. Palgrave, Macmillan

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE
  

Key words search

Energy, policy, sustainability, governance, innovation, transformation