Energy Transformation

What it is about

You engage with causes, barriers, and approaches for the transition to carbon-neutral energy systems. The focus is on differences between sectors (electricity, heat, transport) as well as national, European, and international perspectives. In the end, you will be able to analyze transformation processes, assess influencing factors, and critically classify political steering instruments.

What you will be able to do

• Understand arguments for low CO2 energy transitions
• Recognize connections between economic, technological and political factors
• Apply system-oriented transformation thinking
• Analyze production, distribution and use of energy and their interrelations
• Apply comparative policy analysis to energy systems
• Identify challenges of policy-making at national and EU levels
• Critically evaluate energy policy in Germany, Europe and internationally
• Assess the impact of different governance instruments (regulation, planning, incentives, taxes, subsidies)

What the module consists of

• SeminareTreatment of two complementary topic areas: one seminar focusing on Germany/Europe, one seminar focusing on international/global
• Self-studyDeepening of topics through independent work and preparation of discussions and presentations
• PresentationsStudents prepare session-related talks and discuss the content

Teaching method

• Direct input by instructorsConveying basics and scientific insights
• Active learning methods and discussionDeepening understanding through debates, case studies and student contributions
• Student presentationsPromoting analytical ability and application of learned material to concrete topics
• Concrete case studiesPractical application for analysis and evaluation of the presented content