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David Keith and Daniel Thorpe

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?

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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

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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.

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.
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Week 2: Energy OverviewForms of energy and common units of measurement. How energy flows through modern and historical economies, including the composition of energy supply, common energy transformations, and which sources are used for which purposes. Prices for energy around the world.
Week 3: Estimating CostsThe quantitative techniques at the heart of the course: levelized cost and cost of mitigation. We’ll apply these techniques to energy systems and also to everyday life.
Week 4: Environmental ImpactsHow severe are air pollution, climate change, and land use impact today, and how severe are they likely to be in the future? How do they affect human health, GDP, and the natural world?
Week 5: Fossil FuelsAn abbreviated section focused on the abundance of fossil fuels. Spoiler alert: we won’t run out any time soon.
Week 6: The Electric GridA brief overview of modern electric grids including major technologies they use, how remarkably reliable and efficient they are, how they’re planned and regulated, and how they’re starting to change.
Week 7: Solar PowerWhat solar power technologies dominate today and which have a chance to in the near future. How to estimate the cost of solar power in different regions, how it compares to other options, and the remarkable decline in its cost in the past 5 years. How we can cope with the intermittent nature of the solar resource. How solar power is regulated and subsidized today.
Week 8: Nuclear PowerHow nuclear fission works and how it’s harnessed in modern nuclear plants. How much nuclear power costs and how much it’s used, including the stagnation in its use since the 1990’s and the prospects for its revival. Details on the hazards and costs of nuclear waste and power plant accidents. The connection between nuclear power and nuclear weapons.
Week 9: Demand Reduction and EfficiencyReducing energy demand, by changing behavior or making devices more efficient, can reduce environmental harms – sometimes while saving money! But are there limits to this strategy? Can humanity reduce demand and aim towards a lower-energy future?
Week 10: ConclusionWrap-up and review.Wrap-up and review.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, 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

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Reviews summary

Energy and environment

According to students, learners will discover the entire energy spectrum – from renewable energy to fossil fuels – with an eye towards sustainability and environmental impact. Students also appreciate the high quality of the lectures and the organization of the materials.
Course is from a prestigious university.
"with the prestige of the university it will be of great professional contribution"
Course is comprehensive and in-depth.
"A really comprehensive course, which gives an idea of the global energy status."
"I learned lots of impresing things"
Learners will discover the entire energy spectrum and learn to fight climate change.
"I learned lots of impresing things and the teachers are amazing"

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
Refresh your understanding of basic energy and power concepts to strengthen your foundation for the course.
Browse courses on Energy
Show steps
  • Review different forms of energy and their conversions
  • Practice calculating power and energy using formulas
Organize and review resources related to energy
Enhance your knowledge by compiling and reviewing relevant resources on energy topics.
Show steps
  • 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
Enhance your understanding of solar power technology by following guided tutorials on solar panel installation.
Browse courses on Solar Energy
Show steps
  • 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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Join a study group to discuss course concepts
Enhance your understanding by exchanging ideas and collaborating with peers on course topics.
Show steps
  • 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
Gain hands-on experience and insights by attending workshops focused on renewable energy technologies.
Show steps
  • 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.
Clean Energy Project Developer
Identify and develop renewable energy projects. This course provides instruction in the environmental impacts and economics of renewable energy technologies.
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.
Solar PV Installer
Design and install solar photovoltaic systems. This course provides a foundation in solar power and cost estimation.
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.
Environmental Scientist
Conduct research and provide advice on environmental issues. This course provides a foundation in environmental science and economics.
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.
Environmental Lawyer
Represent clients in environmental law cases. This course provides a foundation in environmental law and policy.
Environmental Educator
Develop and deliver educational programs about environmental issues. This course provides a foundation in environmental science, economics, and policy.
Environmental Journalist
Report on environmental issues. This course provides a foundation in environmental science, economics, and policy.
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.
Nuclear Power Plant Operator
Operate and maintain nuclear power plants. This course provides an overview of nuclear power, including its hazards and costs.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected 29 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Energy Within Environmental Constraints.
This handbook has highly technical details on wind turbines. It is only useful for those who need in-depth knowledge of wind turbine technology.
Covers the different methods of generating electricity, and the environmental impacts. Provides practical solutions for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. A good overview for the environmental impacts of different energy sources.
A comprehensive overview of the history and future of energy, from its role in the development of civilization to its potential impact on climate change. A good reference for the history and development of energy technologies.
This comprehensive textbook covers the core concepts of energy economics, providing a solid theoretical foundation for the course.
This textbook is intended for business students and environmental professionals. It covers the complex relationship between energy, environment, and climate change.
This accessible book comes from the founder of Microsoft. It provides an optimistic look at how technology can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the physics of energy, from its basic principles to its applications in modern technology. A useful reference for the physical principles behind energy technologies.
Covers the different types of renewable energy sources and their potential to provide a sustainable future. A useful reference for the different types of renewable energy technologies and their potential.
This concise yet comprehensive book introduces the principles of sustainable energy, exploring the challenges and opportunities in meeting our energy needs sustainably.
Explores the potential of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source. A useful reference for the potential of hydrogen as a future energy source.
May be a good option for background information on some of the concepts discussed in this course.
A collection of essays from leading experts on the challenges and opportunities facing the global energy system. A good starting point for an overview of the energy field.
A comprehensive overview of the environmental impacts of energy production and use. A useful reference for environmental impacts of energy technologies.
A comprehensive overview of the science and policy of climate change. A useful reference for the science and policy of climate change.

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