Energy Within Environmental Constraints from edX

Humanity faces an immense challenge: providing abundant energy to everyone without wrecking the planet. If we want a high-energy future while protecting the natural world for our children, we must consider the environmental consequences of energy production and use. But money matters too: energy solutions that ignore economic costs are not realistic, particularly in a world where billions of people currently can’t afford access to basic energy services. How can we proceed?

Energy Within Environmental Constraints won’t give you the answer. Instead, we will teach you how to ask the right questions and estimate the consequences of different choices.

This course isrich in details of real devices and light on theory. You won’t find any electrodynamics here, but you will find enough about modern commercial solar panels to estimate if they would be profitable to install in a given location. We emphasizes costs: the cascade of capital and operating costs from energy extraction all the way through end uses. We also emphasize quantitative comparisons and tradeoffs: how much more expensive is electricity from solar panels than from coal plants, and how much pollution does it prevent? Is solar power as cost-effective an environmental investment as nuclear power or energy efficiency? And how do we include considerations other than cost?

This course is intended for a diverse audience. Whether you are a student, an activist, a policymaker, a business owner, or a concerned citizen, this course will help you start to think carefully about our current energy system and how we can improve its environmental performance.

Photo credits:

Solar Farm CC-BY Michael Mees on flickrSmokestack CC-BY Patrick on flickr

What's inside

Learning objectives

The basic engineering, environmental science, and economics of our energy system.
Aworking understanding of energy technologies.

Environmental impacts of the energy system, focusing on air pollution, climate change, and land use.
Techniques for estimating monetary costs andcarbon impacts.

The basic engineering, environmental science, and economics of our energy system.
Aworking understanding of energy technologies.
Environmental impacts of the energy system, focusing on air pollution, climate change, and land use.
Techniques for estimating monetary costs andcarbon impacts.

Syllabus

Week 1: IntroductionMeet the instructors and learn what the course is all about. Learn where you’re strongest and weakest, and if you have any commonly-held misconceptions.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines the environmental impacts of energy production and use, as well as economic implications in the context of energy solutions

Emphasizes practical applications and quantitative comparisons rather than abstract theory

Introduces concepts and techniques for estimating monetary costs and carbon impacts of energy systems

Focuses on environmental consequences, particularly air pollution, climate change, and land use impacts

Provides a comprehensive overview of energy technologies, such as solar, nuclear, and demand reduction practices

Taught by experienced instructors, David Keith and Daniel Thorpe, who are respected in the field of energy and environmental science

Reviews summary

Energy, environment, and economic tradeoffs

Based on the course description, according to learners, this course offers a quantitative overview of the energy sector, focusing on the complex interplay between energy provision, environmental impacts, and economic costs. Students can expect to delve into real-world energy technologies like solar and nuclear power, analyzing their costs, efficiencies, and environmental trade-offs rather than deep theoretical concepts. The emphasis is on learning to estimate costs and carbon footprints. Designed for a diverse audience including students, policymakers, and concerned citizens, the course aims to be accessible while covering key topics such as fossil fuels, the electric grid, and energy efficiency, providing tools to think critically about sustainable energy futures.

Addresses pollution, climate, and land use

"The course covers crucial topics like air pollution and climate change impacts."

"Learning about the land use requirements of different energy sources is vital."

"I expect to understand the environmental consequences in detail."

Analyzes costs vs environmental benefits

"I'm interested in comparing the cost-effectiveness of solar vs nuclear."

"Analyzing how efficiency measures save money and reduce harm is key."

"The focus on quantitative comparisons of different options is valuable."

Designed for a wide range of learners

"I anticipate this course will be accessible to someone outside of engineering."

"It seems relevant for policymakers and concerned citizens alike."

"Hopefully, it strikes a good balance for varied backgrounds."

Covers actual devices and systems

"I hope the course provides details on modern commercial solar panels."

"Understanding how current nuclear plants work is important to me."

"The description highlights real devices over theory, which sounds practical."

Focus on estimating costs and impacts

"I expect to learn practical methods for estimating energy costs."

"The focus on quantitative techniques like levelized cost seems very useful."

"Being able to estimate carbon impacts is a key takeaway I anticipate."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Energy Within Environmental Constraints with these activities:

Review basic concepts of energy and power

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Refresh your understanding of basic energy and power concepts to strengthen your foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Energy

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Review different forms of energy and their conversions
Practice calculating power and energy using formulas

Organize and review resources related to energy

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Enhance your knowledge by compiling and reviewing relevant resources on energy topics.

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Gather articles, videos, and other materials related to course topics
Organize the resources into a digital or physical repository
Review the resources regularly to reinforce your understanding

Follow online tutorials on solar panel installation

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Enhance your understanding of solar power technology by following guided tutorials on solar panel installation.

Browse courses on Solar Energy

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Find reputable online tutorials on solar panel installation
Go through the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes and asking questions
Simulate the installation process using online tools or software

Two other activities

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Join a study group to discuss course concepts

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Enhance your understanding by exchanging ideas and collaborating with peers on course topics.

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Find or create a study group with classmates
Meet regularly to discuss assigned readings, solve problems, and quiz each other
Take turns leading discussions and presenting summaries

Attend workshops on renewable energy technologies

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Gain hands-on experience and insights by attending workshops focused on renewable energy technologies.

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Identify and register for relevant workshops in your area
Actively participate in the workshops, asking questions and taking notes
Apply what you learn in the workshops to your coursework

Career center

Learners who complete Energy Within Environmental Constraints will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Energy Storage Manager

Design, implement, and manage energy storage systems. This course provides a foundation of technical and economic principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Storage Manager

Climate Scientist

Conduct research on climate change and its effects. This course provides a foundation in climate change, including its environmental impacts and mitigation costs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Scientist

Clean Energy Project Developer

Identify and develop renewable energy projects. This course provides instruction in the environmental impacts and economics of renewable energy technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clean Energy Project Developer

Solar PV Installer

Design and install solar photovoltaic systems. This course provides a foundation in solar power and cost estimation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar PV Installer

Environmental Scientist

Conduct research and provide advice on environmental issues. This course provides a foundation in environmental science and economics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Sustainability Consultant

Help businesses and organizations develop and implement sustainability strategies. This may include strategies to reduce their environmental impact, for which this course would be useful preparation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Energy Auditor

Assess the energy efficiency of buildings and make recommendations for improvements. This course provides a foundation in energy efficiency and cost estimation techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Auditor

Environmental Lawyer

Represent clients in environmental law cases. This course provides a foundation in environmental law and policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Educator

Develop and deliver educational programs about environmental issues. This course provides a foundation in environmental science, economics, and policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator

Nuclear Power Plant Operator

Operate and maintain nuclear power plants. This course provides an overview of nuclear power, including its hazards and costs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Power Plant Operator

Energy Policy Analyst

Advise policymakers and stakeholders on energy-related issues, which may include the environmental impact of energy production. This course provides a foundation in the environmental consequences of energy production and use.

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Environmental Journalist

Report on environmental issues. This course provides a foundation in environmental science, economics, and policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Journalist

Wind Turbine Technician

Install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. This course may be helpful in providing a foundation of knowledge about wind turbine technology and its environmental impact.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wind Turbine Technician

Energy Economist

Analyze energy markets and trends to help businesses and governments make informed decisions about energy investments. This also includes investments in sustainable energy, for which this course provides instruction.

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Environmental Engineer

Develop new and improve existing practices to detect, mitigate, and remediate environmental problems. This role requires an advanced degree, and this course may be helpful in providing a foundation of knowledge in environmental science, engineering, and economics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer