Energy Economics with ESG Principles

Courses

ECONOMICS OF ENERGY MARKETS

Understanding the essence of main economic concepts and their applicability to energy market analysis is essential in grasping the world of modern energy and its influence on societies, environment, economic development, and political actions. The main aim of this course is to equip students with such understanding. The first part of the course will comprise of discussions of different market structures and their applicability to different energy markets. This part also includes a brief introduction into game theory since it can be applied both to the understanding of separate energy markets (e.g. oil market or pipeline gas market) and to explaining behavior of different groups of countries, producers, and groups within the economy. The second part discusses important macroeconomic concepts and implications of the “resource curse”. This part enables students to understand the role of energy resources in the economy, their input in shaping economic structures, societies, and development trajectories.

INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

A modern government cannot stay aloof from the problem of energy sustainability. Given the rapid economic development accompanied by acute environmental problems and increased energy demand in many countries, policymakers across the globe are looking for a policy toolbox to reconcile the environmental and economic objectives in the energy domain. Some countries place an emphasis on using market-based support schemes to alter the energy mix with the deployment of renewable energy (RES). In other countries, energy efficiency measures are prioritized and RES comes very much second. This course enables students to develop a basic understanding of policy instruments that are used by governments to promote sustainable energy on the demand and supply sides. One of the most significant barriers inhibiting deeper penetration and growth of renewable sources is a weak cost competitiveness compared to conventional energy sources. The overarching aim of this course is to contribute to a deeper understanding of factors that drive and enhance cost competitiveness of RES. Part of the answer to the question of how to unlock sustainable energy rests on utilities and their business model. The utilities of the 21 century seem as an “umbrella” that pulls together smart grids in remote areas, ESCO contracts, and conventional power plants. This course will provide participants with an understanding of various business models and policy mechanisms that are used to expedite the development and penetration of sustainable energy among utilities.

SEMINAR ON WORLD ENERGY AFFAIRS

The seminar is designed to expose students to the fast-pace, ever-changing world of energy through finding, analyzing, discussing, and publishing about major news events around the world on a weekly basis. The class aims for students to develop their own voice in regard to the energy world. Students should view the seminar as a friendly roundtable where the week’s energy events can be discussed in a sometimes passionate, but always respectful, manner. Students are actively encouraged to apply the knowledge they gain from their other ENERPO courses to the real-world current events that will be discussed in this weekly seminar. This seminar aims to give students horizontal knowledge of the energy world and expose them to as many concepts, countries, policies, and experts in as short an amount of time as possible. Students should use this seminar to discover what interests them in the energy world. As this seminar runs for two semesters, first semester students will be asked to give a presentation, while second semester students will write an academic article for the ENERPO Journal. In order for students develop a more vertical knowledge, they are encouraged to focus on a specific topic, region, or energy debate that might be interesting to them. This will help them do a better job on their long presentation, journal article, and ultimately their master’s thesis.

ACADENIC WRITING

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