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Erin Whitney,
Daisy Huang,
Bill Schnabel,
Srijan Aggarwal,
Jennifer Schmidt,
Chris Pike,
Michelle Wilber,
Henry Huntington,
Michele Chamberlin,
Daniel Sambor,
Rich Wies, Jr.,
Gwen Holdmann,
and
Christie Haupert
This course provides research-based and on-the-ground tools for community planners, grid designers, and business leaders to improve and implement stronger and more resilient renewable energy systems in Arctic communities. Through a framework combining renewable energy in microgrids, and Food, Energy, and Water (FEW) security and infrastructure, this course synthesizes concepts into a holistic approach to community planning, improvement, and resiliency.
Read more
This course provides research-based and on-the-ground tools for community planners, grid designers, and business leaders to improve and implement stronger and more resilient renewable energy systems in Arctic communities. Through a framework combining renewable energy in microgrids, and Food, Energy, and Water (FEW) security and infrastructure, this course synthesizes concepts into a holistic approach to community planning, improvement, and resiliency.
Read more
This course provides research-based and on-the-ground tools for community planners, grid designers, and business leaders to improve and implement stronger and more resilient renewable energy systems in Arctic communities. Through a framework combining renewable energy in microgrids, and Food, Energy, and Water (FEW) security and infrastructure, this course synthesizes concepts into a holistic approach to community planning, improvement, and resiliency.
- Learn about existing and emerging renewable energy sources and technologies and explore examples from Alaska, including solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and hydroelectric facilities.
- Examine underlying causes of food, energy, and water insecurity in Arctic, subarctic, and northern rural communities.
- Gain insights into Arctic and subarctic lifestyles, including the roles and impacts of wild harvests, plant-based foods, and health disparities.
- Learn about food, energy, and water security and analyze the interactions among food, energy, and water usage, for example: energy and water use in the production, transportation, and storage of food; energy usage in treating drinking water and wastewater for human health; water demands and fuel costs for electricity production; appropriate food systems, energy, and water resource usage and allocation; climate change impacts, fossil fuels and environmental impacts.
- Gain specialized expertise on a variety of Arctic energy issues affecting its residents and Indigenous peoples, from engineering to social science to traditional community knowledge.
- Learn the key concepts with practical, Alaska-focused examples.
- Use real wind and solar data and various analysis tools to make community energy assessments.
- Apply the FEW nexus approach to guide decisions about renewable energy alternatives.
- Learn from National Science Foundation-funded researchers and staff from a variety of disciplines at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the University of Alaska Anchorage, the University of Calgary, Stanford, and the private sector. Connections with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
This project is funded by the National Science Foundation, Award #1740075 INFEWS/T3: Coupling infrastructure improvements to food-energy-water system dynamics in small cold region communities: MicroFEWs.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/o1ulnj/renewable
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Explore current states of food, energy, and water systems in rural alaska, with broader applications to the arctic.
- Compare mature and emerging renewable energy technologies with examples from alaska
- Define how food, energy, and water impacts community well-being in the arctic and beyond.
- Analyze the feedbacks between renewable energy generation and the local drivers of food, energy, and water security.
- Explore and discuss scientific and social issues that arise when utilizing food, energy, and water resources.
- Organize and quantify food and water security data.
- Use renewable energy resource data to create energy assessments.
- Learn how modular food and water applications can optimize renewable energy inputs in the arctic and beyond.
- Apply decision making methodologies to develop community level recommendations based on resource energy assessments combined with food and water security information.
- Explore current states of food, energy, and water systems in rural alaska, with broader applications to the arctic.
- Compare mature and emerging renewable energy technologies with examples from alaska
- Define how food, energy, and water impacts community well-being in the arctic and beyond.
- Analyze the feedbacks between renewable energy generation and the local drivers of food, energy, and water security.
- Explore and discuss scientific and social issues that arise when utilizing food, energy, and water resources.
- Organize and quantify food and water security data.
- Use renewable energy resource data to create energy assessments.
- Learn how modular food and water applications can optimize renewable energy inputs in the arctic and beyond.
- Apply decision making methodologies to develop community level recommendations based on resource energy assessments combined with food and water security information.
Syllabus
Module 1: Life in Alaska
Introduction to Alaska
Introduction to the Food, Energy, Water (FEW) Nexus
Introduction to FEWtureville
Read more
Syllabus
Module 1: Life in Alaska
Introduction to Alaska
Introduction to the Food, Energy, Water (FEW) Nexus
Introduction to FEWtureville
Read more
Rural Electricity and Heating Systems
Rural Food Systems
Rural Water and Wastewater Systems
FEWtureville Case Study
Module 2: Energy Nuts & Bolts
Diesel Generators in Remote Communities
Renewable Energy Technologies
Energy Resource Data
Module 3: Community Well-Being
What is Food, Energy, Water (FEW) Security
Factors Affecting FEW Security
Assessing FEW Security
Module 4: Making Decisions
Electrified Load Applications
Analysis Tools: NRMSE Method
Analysis Tools: FEW Indices
Putting It All Together
The Years to Come
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Provides research-based tools for community planners, grid designers, and business leaders to improve and implement stronger and more resilient renewable energy systems in Arctic communities
Helps learners define how food, energy, and water impacts community well-being in the Arctic and beyond
Explore current states of food, energy, and water systems in rural Alaska, with broader applications to the Arctic
Teaches learners to apply the FEW nexus approach to guide decisions about renewable energy alternatives
Examines underlying causes of food, energy, and water insecurity in Arctic, subarctic, and northern rural communities
Learn the key concepts with practical, Alaska-focused examples
Save this course
Save Powering Resilient Communities: A Holistic Approach to Food, Energy, and Water Security to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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 Powering Resilient Communities: A Holistic Approach to Food, Energy, and Water Security with these
activities:
Read 'Renewable Energy: Sources, Technologies, and Applications'
Show steps
Reviewing this comprehensive book can provide a solid foundation in renewable energy concepts and technologies, enhancing your understanding of the course material.
View
Renewable Energy Resources
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read through the book's chapters, focusing on sections that align with the course topics.
-
Highlight key concepts, definitions, and examples.
-
Summarize each chapter's main points in your own words.
-
Create flashcards or notes to aid in memorizing important terms and concepts.
Compile course materials
Show steps
Compiling course materials for this course can provide you with a centralized repository of resources, helping you get organized and access key materials with ease.
Show steps
-
Review the course syllabus and identify essential readings and resources.
-
Create a system for storing and organizing course notes, assignments, and other materials.
-
Scan or digitally file important handouts and documents, as well as create separate folders for each module or topic.
-
Use a digital note-taking app to capture key points during lectures and readings.
Learn about energy efficiency
Show steps
Engaging with tutorials on energy efficiency can complement your understanding of renewable energy systems, highlighting strategies to optimize energy consumption and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Show steps
-
Identify online resources and platforms that offer tutorials on energy efficiency measures and technologies.
-
Explore tutorials on topics such as energy-efficient building design, appliance efficiency, and renewable energy integration.
-
Review case studies and examples of successful energy efficiency projects to gain practical insights.
-
Consider the environmental and economic benefits of energy efficiency, and its role in promoting sustainable energy systems.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore renewable energy research
Show steps
Engaging with tutorials on renewable energy research can supplement your understanding of the course material, fostering a deeper comprehension of the subject matter.
Show steps
-
Seek out reputable sources and online platforms that offer tutorials on renewable energy technologies and their applications.
-
Review introductory tutorials to gain a broad overview of renewable energy concepts and principles.
-
Explore specific tutorials on different types of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass, and their advantages and limitations.
-
Consider tutorials that delve into the environmental and economic aspects of renewable energy, including their impact on sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Analyze energy data
Show steps
Practicing data analysis in the context of renewable energy can sharpen your critical thinking skills and enhance your ability to draw meaningful insights from energy-related data.
Show steps
-
Familiarize yourself with real-world datasets related to renewable energy production, consumption, and environmental factors.
-
Use data visualization tools to create charts, graphs, and maps that illustrate patterns and trends in the data.
-
Apply statistical techniques to analyze the data, identify correlations and relationships, and draw conclusions about renewable energy systems.
-
Consider the implications of your findings and explore potential applications in energy policy and planning.
Develop a renewable energy proposal
Show steps
Embarking on a project that involves developing a renewable energy proposal can provide you with practical experience in applying the concepts learned in the course and exploring real-world challenges and solutions.
Show steps
-
Identify a specific community or region that faces challenges related to energy access, affordability, or sustainability.
-
Research and analyze the energy needs and resources of the community, considering factors such as population, climate, and existing infrastructure.
-
Develop a proposal outlining a comprehensive renewable energy plan that addresses the community's energy challenges, incorporating specific technologies, implementation strategies, and sustainability considerations.
-
Present your proposal to stakeholders, including community members, local authorities, and potential investors, to gather feedback and support.
Create a renewable energy blog
Show steps
Creating a blog dedicated to renewable energy can serve as an effective platform to share your knowledge, engage with others, and reinforce your understanding of the subject matter.
Show steps
-
Choose a blogging platform that suits your needs and target audience.
-
Brainstorm and research topics related to renewable energy, such as emerging technologies, case studies, and policy updates.
-
Write well-informed and engaging blog posts, incorporating relevant images, videos, and data to support your points.
-
Promote your blog through social media and other channels to attract readers and foster discussions.
Contribute to open energy data projects
Show steps
Participating in open energy data projects can provide valuable hands-on experience in data analysis, visualization, and collaboration, while contributing to the broader field of renewable energy.
Show steps
-
Identify open energy data repositories and projects that align with your interests and skills.
-
Explore the data and documentation provided by the project, familiarizing yourself with its structure and content.
-
Contribute to data analysis, visualization, or other tasks as needed, following the project's guidelines and best practices.
-
Share your findings and insights with the project community through documentation, presentations, or discussions.
Read 'Renewable Energy: Sources, Technologies, and Applications'
Show steps
Reviewing this comprehensive book can provide a solid foundation in renewable energy concepts and technologies, enhancing your understanding of the course material.
View
Renewable Energy Resources
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through the book's chapters, focusing on sections that align with the course topics.
- Highlight key concepts, definitions, and examples.
- Summarize each chapter's main points in your own words.
- Create flashcards or notes to aid in memorizing important terms and concepts.
Compile course materials
Show steps
Compiling course materials for this course can provide you with a centralized repository of resources, helping you get organized and access key materials with ease.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the course syllabus and identify essential readings and resources.
- Create a system for storing and organizing course notes, assignments, and other materials.
- Scan or digitally file important handouts and documents, as well as create separate folders for each module or topic.
- Use a digital note-taking app to capture key points during lectures and readings.
Learn about energy efficiency
Show steps
Engaging with tutorials on energy efficiency can complement your understanding of renewable energy systems, highlighting strategies to optimize energy consumption and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify online resources and platforms that offer tutorials on energy efficiency measures and technologies.
- Explore tutorials on topics such as energy-efficient building design, appliance efficiency, and renewable energy integration.
- Review case studies and examples of successful energy efficiency projects to gain practical insights.
- Consider the environmental and economic benefits of energy efficiency, and its role in promoting sustainable energy systems.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore renewable energy research
Show steps
Engaging with tutorials on renewable energy research can supplement your understanding of the course material, fostering a deeper comprehension of the subject matter.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Seek out reputable sources and online platforms that offer tutorials on renewable energy technologies and their applications.
- Review introductory tutorials to gain a broad overview of renewable energy concepts and principles.
- Explore specific tutorials on different types of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass, and their advantages and limitations.
- Consider tutorials that delve into the environmental and economic aspects of renewable energy, including their impact on sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Analyze energy data
Show steps
Practicing data analysis in the context of renewable energy can sharpen your critical thinking skills and enhance your ability to draw meaningful insights from energy-related data.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Familiarize yourself with real-world datasets related to renewable energy production, consumption, and environmental factors.
- Use data visualization tools to create charts, graphs, and maps that illustrate patterns and trends in the data.
- Apply statistical techniques to analyze the data, identify correlations and relationships, and draw conclusions about renewable energy systems.
- Consider the implications of your findings and explore potential applications in energy policy and planning.
Develop a renewable energy proposal
Show steps
Embarking on a project that involves developing a renewable energy proposal can provide you with practical experience in applying the concepts learned in the course and exploring real-world challenges and solutions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific community or region that faces challenges related to energy access, affordability, or sustainability.
- Research and analyze the energy needs and resources of the community, considering factors such as population, climate, and existing infrastructure.
- Develop a proposal outlining a comprehensive renewable energy plan that addresses the community's energy challenges, incorporating specific technologies, implementation strategies, and sustainability considerations.
- Present your proposal to stakeholders, including community members, local authorities, and potential investors, to gather feedback and support.
Create a renewable energy blog
Show steps
Creating a blog dedicated to renewable energy can serve as an effective platform to share your knowledge, engage with others, and reinforce your understanding of the subject matter.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a blogging platform that suits your needs and target audience.
- Brainstorm and research topics related to renewable energy, such as emerging technologies, case studies, and policy updates.
- Write well-informed and engaging blog posts, incorporating relevant images, videos, and data to support your points.
- Promote your blog through social media and other channels to attract readers and foster discussions.
Contribute to open energy data projects
Show steps
Participating in open energy data projects can provide valuable hands-on experience in data analysis, visualization, and collaboration, while contributing to the broader field of renewable energy.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify open energy data repositories and projects that align with your interests and skills.
- Explore the data and documentation provided by the project, familiarizing yourself with its structure and content.
- Contribute to data analysis, visualization, or other tasks as needed, following the project's guidelines and best practices.
- Share your findings and insights with the project community through documentation, presentations, or discussions.
Career center
Learners who complete Powering Resilient Communities: A Holistic Approach to Food, Energy, and Water Security will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Renewable Energy Engineer
Renewable Energy Engineer
Renewable Energy Engineers design, develop, and maintain renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind farms. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the principles of renewable energy technologies and how to use them to generate electricity.
Utility Planner
Utility Planner
Utility Planners develop and implement plans for the development and operation of utility systems, such as electric, gas, and water systems. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to improve utility planning.
Water Resources Engineer
Water Resources Engineer
Water Resources Engineers design and manage water resources systems, such as dams, reservoirs, and canals. They work to ensure that water is available for drinking, irrigation, and other uses. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to improve water resource management.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability initiatives for organizations. They work to reduce environmental impact, improve efficiency, and promote social responsibility. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to achieve sustainability goals.
Energy Policy Analyst
Energy Policy Analyst
Energy Policy Analysts research and analyze energy policies and their impact on the environment, economy, and society. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to achieve policy goals.
Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Analysts research and analyze climate change data and trends. They work to develop and implement strategies to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to mitigate climate change.
Food Security Analyst
Food Security Analyst
Food Security Analysts research and analyze food security issues, such as hunger, malnutrition, and food safety. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to improve food security.
Energy Systems Analyst
Energy Systems Analyst
Energy Systems Analysts analyze energy systems and develop recommendations for improving their efficiency and effectiveness. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to improve energy systems.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help organizations to develop and implement sustainability initiatives. They work to reduce environmental impact, improve efficiency, and promote social responsibility. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to achieve sustainability goals.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists conduct research on environmental issues, such as pollution, climate change, and habitat loss. They work to develop solutions to these problems and protect the environment. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to reduce environmental impact.
Renewable Energy Project Developer
Renewable Energy Project Developer
Renewable Energy Project Developers evaluate and develop renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind farms. This course teaches the principles of renewable energy technologies and how to assess their feasibility and impact on the environment. This knowledge is essential for success in this role.
Energy Auditor
Energy Auditor
Energy Auditors assess the energy efficiency of buildings and systems. They work to identify ways to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of renewable energy technologies and how to assess their feasibility and impact on energy consumption.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems. A course on the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus can be helpful for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the interdependencies between these systems and how to use renewable energy to reduce environmental impact.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects. They work to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards. This course may be useful for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to achieve project goals.
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues and develop recommendations for policy changes. This course may be useful for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to achieve policy goals.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/o1ulnj/renewable
Reading list
We've selected nine 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
Powering Resilient Communities: A Holistic Approach to Food, Energy, and Water Security.
This handbook offers a comprehensive examination of energy security issues, including geopolitical, economic, and environmental dimensions. It provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in securing sustainable energy systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydroelectric power. It is an excellent resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the latest renewable energy technologies and their applications.
This report provides an overview of the global renewable energy landscape, including market trends, technology developments, and policy frameworks. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the current and future role of renewables in the energy transition.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of energy and environmental issues, including renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, and climate change. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the technical aspects of energy systems.
Explores the impact of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things, on various sectors, including energy and utilities. It provides a glimpse into the potential for technological advancements to shape the future of sustainable resource management.
Save
Explores the challenges and opportunities in the food system, including the relationship between food production, environmental sustainability, and human health. It provides a thought-provoking perspective on the FEW nexus.
Examines the global water crisis and explores strategies for water conservation, management, and governance. It provides insights into the complex interactions between water resources, human health, and economic development.
Save
This book, written by a farmer and rancher, offers practical insights and case studies on regenerative agriculture practices, which can be particularly valuable for understanding the role of food systems in the FEW nexus.
Is an environmental history of the Arctic region. It is an excellent resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the environmental history of the Arctic and the challenges it faces.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/o1ulnj/renewable
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Renewable Energy Projects
Effort
4 to 6 hours per week for 4 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Instructors
Erin Whitney
Daisy Huang
Bill Schnabel
Srijan Aggarwal
Jennifer Schmidt
Chris Pike
Michelle Wilber
Henry Huntington
Michele Chamberlin
Daniel Sambor
Rich Wies, Jr.
Gwen Holdmann
Christie Haupert
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Provides research-based tools for community planners, grid designers, and business leaders to improve and implement stronger and more resilient renewable energy systems in Arctic communities
Helps learners define how food, energy, and water impacts community well-being in the Arctic and beyond
Explore current states of food, energy, and water systems in rural Alaska, with broader applications to the Arctic
Teaches learners to apply the FEW nexus approach to guide decisions about renewable energy alternatives
Examines underlying causes of food, energy, and water insecurity in Arctic, subarctic, and northern rural communities
Learn the key concepts with practical, Alaska-focused examples
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