Global Energy Transition in a Fossil World: Challenges and Opportunities

About

This course focuses on the societal and political dimensions of the energy transition, while taking into account the physical and technical limitations of the energy system, as well as earth’s environmental boundaries. You will be equipped with a comprehensive overview of the global energy transition’s needs, its challenges and solutions, and the trade-offs generated by different (policy) options. The course will introduce you to the leading theories, concepts, proposed solutions, and current governance efforts in the energy transition. You will be taught by experienced academics and other key stakeholders in the energy and climate arena in the Netherlands and beyond.

Course leader

Ana Cassanti and Dr. Mathieu Blondeel

Target group

This course is for Master's and PhD students as well as for practitioners with a broad interest in energy and sustainability transitions, an open mind, and a willingness to challenge their own views. The level of assessment is master's level.

Course aim

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Understand the main concepts and theories in energy transition research and be able to put them into the wider context of global sustainable development;
Recognise what has been achieved on the road of the energy transition so far;
Grasp the most critical challenges and opportunities for the future of the energy transition;
Critically assess their own preferred solutions for the energy transition, including the main advantages and disadvantages;
Share practical insights into the ‘transition on the ground’ through excursions and guest lectures from experts with diverse backgrounds.

Fee info

Student or PhD candidate: €1250, student or PhD candidate at any Dutch university or partner university of VU Amsterdam: €1125 Student, PhD candidate or employee of VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, or an Aurora Network Partner: €938, Non-student: €1500