Renewable Energy Futures from Coursera

Renewable energy's future is bright, yet uncertain. Will it continue to grow rapidly? Is current growth sufficient to achieve climate stabilization? How do related technologies, like electric vehicles and heat pumps, fit in? This course will shed light on the many confusing and at-times inconsistent claims and predictions for renewable energy.

We’ll review promising new renewable technologies and approaches, such as floating platforms for wind turbines and building-integrated photovoltaics (PV), and point out key opportunities and limitations. We’ll take a close look at possible futures of enabling technologies such as electricity storage, electric vehicles and hydrogen, which can support and enhance renewables. We’ll then unravel key trends and new approaches, such as distributed energy and electrification, and explain how they affect renewable energy’s future.

Renewable energy, aided by enabling technologies such as electric vehicles and storage, will eventually dominate energy systems worldwide. From this course, you’ll learn the current status and likely future paths of renewable energy. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to pinpoint the opportunities in this vibrant industry and get in front of the change.

Course logo image credit: "Wind Turbine" icon courtesy of Vectors Point from the Noun Project.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction, Energy Transitions, and Scenarios

Renewable energy's future is bright, yet uncertain. Will it continue to grow rapidly? Is current growth sufficient to achieve climate stabilization? How do other technologies, like electric vehicles and heat pumps, fit in? In these lessons, we take a close look at several leading energy scenarios - models that describe possible futures for renewable energy. These scenarios show where we are headed, and where we need to be headed in order to stop climate change.

Renewable Energy Technology Futures: Wind, Solar PV, and More

Wind turbines and solar photovoltaics (PV) are on a path of rapid growth. In these lessons, we review promising new technical approaches for wind and solar PV, such as offshore floating wind platforms and building-integrated PV. We’ll also assess other renewable energy technologies that are on different paths: concentrating solar power (CSP), ocean energy, and biofuels.

Enabling Technologies for Renewable Energy

For renewables to provide the bulk of global energy needs, ‘enabling’ technologies - those that support and enhance renewables - are needed as well. In these lessons, we describe the critical roles these enabling technologies play, and review their current status and future prospects. Enabling technologies covered include storage (notably batteries), electric vehicles, and hydrogen.

Emerging Issues and Concepts in Renewable Energy

Renewables are driving rapid change in energy systems worldwide, and these systems will look very different in the future. These lessons examine key trends, issues, and concepts for future renewables-based energy systems. These included electrification, distributed energy, electricity market structures, and others.

Summary and Review

Renewable energy, aided by enabling technologies such as electric vehicles and storage, will eventually dominate energy systems worldwide. In these lessons, we pull all the course material together and show how the pieces fit together.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores renewable energy's future, which is essential to combating climate change

Covers electric vehicles and heat pumps, which are becoming increasingly important in renewable energy systems

Taught by Paul Komor, who is recognized for his work in renewable energy

Develops understanding of emerging issues and concepts in renewable energy, such as electrification and distributed energy

Examines enabling technologies for renewable energy, such as storage and electric vehicles, which are crucial for widespread adoption

Explicitly requires prerequisite knowledge and skills, which may create barriers for some learners

Reviews summary

Five-star renewable energy course

Learners say this five-star course on renewable energy futures is excellent, engaging, and informative. Great lectures, readings, and assignments help present a structured overview of this field. Students highly recommend this course to anyone interested in the future of renewable energy.

This course is an excellent introduction to renewable energy futures.

"good intro to find most current data and statistics!"

"a structured and informative course, that gives a good overview of current renewables state"

"this course is very precise and contains a basic level knowledge about renewable energy future."

This course is nearly universally praised by learners.

"GOOD AND USEFULL"

"Fantastic course!!"

"Amazing course by a brilliant professor."

Learners highlight the course's excellent, informative content.

"course is interesting"

"very good information"

"very informative and precious knowledge"

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 Renewable Energy Futures with these activities:

Renewable Energy Calculations

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Get some practice with the key calculations of renewable energy.

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Drill key calculations
Test your understanding
Review your answers

Renewable Energy Essay

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Write a paper comparing two emerging renewable energy technologies using the scenario building approach.

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Choose two technologies.
Develop a scenario.
Collect data
Write the essay

Policy Brief on Renewable Energy

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Develop a policy brief proposing a solution to a key challenge in the deployment of renewable energy.

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Identify a challenge
Research the issue
Develop a solution
Write the policy brief

One other activity

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Show all four activities

Smart Energy Tool Design

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Design a simple tool to reduce energy consumption in a home or business.

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Identify a need
Research smart energy tools
Design a prototype
Build and test

Career center

Learners who complete Renewable Energy Futures will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Wind Turbine Technician

Wind turbine technicians inspect, maintain, and repair wind turbines to ensure their safe and efficient operation. This course helps technicians understand the principles of wind turbine operation and maintenance, as well as the latest technologies and advancements in the field, preparing them for a successful career in wind energy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wind Turbine Technician

Electric Vehicle Engineer

Electric vehicle engineers design, develop, and test electric vehicles and their components. This course provides engineers with a comprehensive understanding of the latest electric vehicle technologies, including battery technology, electric motors, and power electronics. It also covers the challenges and opportunities associated with the electrification of transportation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electric Vehicle Engineer

Renewable Energy Engineer

Renewable energy engineers design, install, and maintain renewable energy systems. This course helps engineers understand the fundamentals of renewable energy technologies, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with their integration into the grid. It also covers emerging technologies and trends, preparing engineers for the future of renewable energy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Engineer

Renewable Energy Project Developer

Renewable energy project developers manage the planning, permitting, and implementation of renewable energy projects. This course provides developers with a solid understanding of the latest renewable energy technologies, enabling them to identify and develop promising project opportunities and navigate the complexities of project development.

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

Energy Storage Engineer

Energy storage engineers design, develop, and test energy storage systems for various applications, including renewable energy integration. This course helps engineers understand the different energy storage technologies, their advantages and limitations, and their potential role in the future of renewable energy.

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Energy Policymaker

Energy policymakers develop and implement policies that govern the production, distribution, and consumption of energy, including renewable energy. This course provides policymakers with a deep understanding of the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of renewable energy, enabling them to make informed decisions that promote the transition to a sustainable energy future.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Policymaker

Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Solar photovoltaic installers design and install solar photovoltaic systems for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. This course provides installers with a thorough understanding of the latest solar PV technologies, enabling them to design and install systems that maximize efficiency and meet customer needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability managers develop and implement sustainability strategies for organizations across industries. This course provides managers with a broad understanding of renewable energy technologies, their environmental and economic benefits, and the role they play in achieving sustainability goals.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists study the impact of human activities on the environment, including the development and use of renewable energy sources. This course provides scientists with an understanding of the environmental benefits and challenges associated with renewable energy, enabling them to assess the sustainability of different energy options.

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Energy Policy Analyst

Energy policy analysts investigate current energy policies, forecast future energy needs, and propose policy changes to promote renewable energy development. This course helps policy analysts gain a comprehensive understanding of the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of renewable energy, enabling them to make evidence-based recommendations for sustainable energy policies.

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Energy Economist

Energy economists analyze the economic aspects of energy production, distribution, and consumption, including renewable energy. This course helps economists understand the costs and benefits of renewable energy technologies, the market dynamics of the renewable energy industry, and the impact of renewable energy on the economy.

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Energy Analyst

Energy analysts collect and interpret data on energy supply, demand, and pricing, which is vital for planning and operating energy systems that incorporate large-scale use of renewable energy sources. This course's comprehensive review of the current state and future prospects of renewable energy technologies, as well as the factors influencing their growth, provides a strong foundation for understanding the energy landscape and making informed decisions in this rapidly evolving field.

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Researcher in Renewable Energy

Researchers in renewable energy investigate new and innovative renewable energy technologies and approaches. This course may help researchers gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future prospects of renewable energy, as well as the challenges and opportunities in renewable energy research.

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Energy Consultant

Energy consultants advise clients on energy-related matters, including the adoption of renewable energy technologies. This course may provide consultants with a broad understanding of renewable energy technologies, their benefits and limitations, and how to incorporate them into energy strategies for businesses and organizations.

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Technical Writer in Renewable Energy

Technical writers in renewable energy create and manage technical documentation related to renewable energy technologies and projects. This course may help writers develop a solid understanding of renewable energy concepts and principles, enabling them to effectively communicate technical information to various audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer in Renewable Energy