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Paul Komor
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/irf6kb/renewable
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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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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
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
Save this course
Save Renewable Energy Futures to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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
Show steps
Get some practice with the key calculations of renewable energy.
Show steps
-
Drill key calculations
-
Test your understanding
-
Review your answers
Renewable Energy Essay
Show steps
Write a paper comparing two emerging renewable energy technologies using the scenario building approach.
Show steps
-
Choose two technologies.
-
Develop a scenario.
-
Collect data
-
Write the essay
Policy Brief on Renewable Energy
Show steps
Develop a policy brief proposing a solution to a key challenge in the deployment of renewable energy.
Show steps
-
Identify a challenge
-
Research the issue
-
Develop a solution
-
Write the policy brief
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Smart Energy Tool Design
Show steps
Design a simple tool to reduce energy consumption in a home or business.
Show steps
-
Identify a need
-
Research smart energy tools
-
Design a prototype
-
Build and test
Renewable Energy Calculations
Show steps
Get some practice with the key calculations of renewable energy.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Drill key calculations
- Test your understanding
- Review your answers
Renewable Energy Essay
Show steps
Write a paper comparing two emerging renewable energy technologies using the scenario building approach.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose two technologies.
- Develop a scenario.
- Collect data
- Write the essay
Policy Brief on Renewable Energy
Show steps
Develop a policy brief proposing a solution to a key challenge in the deployment of renewable energy.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a challenge
- Research the issue
- Develop a solution
- Write the policy brief
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Smart Energy Tool Design
Show steps
Design a simple tool to reduce energy consumption in a home or business.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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 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.
Electric Vehicle Engineer
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.
Renewable Energy 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.
Renewable Energy Project Developer
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.
Energy Storage Engineer
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.
Energy Policymaker
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.
Solar Photovoltaic Installer
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.
Sustainability Manager
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.
Environmental Scientist
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.
Energy Policy Analyst
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.
Energy Economist
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.
Energy Analyst
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.
Researcher in Renewable Energy
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.
Energy Consultant
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.
Technical Writer in Renewable Energy
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/irf6kb/renewable
Reading list
We've selected 15 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
Renewable Energy Futures.
Save
This reference book provides detailed information on the different types of renewable energy technologies, including their technical performance, economic viability, and environmental impact. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and professionals working in the field of renewable energy.
This textbook serves as an excellent resource for understanding the physics behind solar cells and their applications in renewable energy systems. It provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles and technologies involved in solar energy conversion.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history, current state, and future prospects of renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydroelectricity. It also includes extensive information on the economics, environmental impact, and policy challenges associated with renewable energy.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of energy storage technologies, their applications, and their role in the development of renewable energy systems. It offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with energy storage.
Provides a critical look at the different renewable energy technologies and assesses their potential to meet the world's energy needs. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and policymakers who want to understand the challenges and opportunities facing the global energy system.
Save
Provides a detailed overview of the science of climate change and the political and economic challenges of addressing it. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and policymakers who want to understand the climate crisis and its implications for humanity.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of geothermal energy, its technologies, and its environmental implications. It offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with geothermal energy development.
Provides a detailed analysis of the factors that have led to the collapse of past civilizations. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and policymakers who want to understand the challenges facing humanity in the 21st century.
This textbook serves as an excellent introductory text for individuals seeking a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of renewable energy sources to their applications in various technologies.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the policy and legal frameworks governing renewable energy development. It offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with the legal and regulatory aspects of renewable energy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of mass extinctions and the threats facing species today. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and general readers who want to understand the importance of biodiversity and the challenges facing the natural world.
Provides a detailed analysis of the challenges facing capitalism in the 21st century. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and policymakers who want to understand the future of the global economy.
Save
Provides a clear and concise introduction to the basic principles of energy. It covers topics such as the different forms of energy, the laws of thermodynamics, and the history of energy use. It good resource for students and general readers who want to learn more about energy.
Provides a sobering look at the potential consequences of climate change. It powerful and moving account of the challenges that humanity faces in the coming decades.
Provides a historical analysis of the transformation of the global economy from a system based on reciprocity and redistribution to one based on markets and profit-making. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and policymakers who want to understand the origins of the modern world.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/irf6kb/renewable
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Effort
three to six hours a week for five weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructor
Paul Komor
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Renewable Energy. It's comprised of four courses:
- Renewable Energy Technology Fundamentals
- Renewable Energy Projects
- Renewable Power and Electricity Systems
- Renewable Energy Futures (viewing)
Good to know
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
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