Global Energy Transition in a Fossil World

About

This course focuses on the societal and political sides of energy transition, whilst taking into account the physical and technical limitations of the energy system, as well as the global boundaries in which we operate.

In December 2023, at COP28 in the UAE, the world agreed that we need to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems. Does this truly signal the ‘beginning of the end’ for the fossil fuel era? After all, meeting the Paris climate goals remains far from a done deal. While the need for a global transition to a low-carbon energy system is contested by few, opinions on what this means in practice and how to get there vary between mainly technical and engineering interventions to radical societal change.

This course focuses on the societal and political sides of the energy transition, whilst taking into account the physical and technical limitations of the energy system, as well as the global boundaries in which we operate. It will give you a broad overview of the global energy transition’s needs, its challenges and solutions, and the trade-offs generated by different (policy) options. It will challenge you to critically assess your own preferred solutions – including their main advantages and disadvantages. The course will further introduce you to the leading theories, concepts, proposed solutions, and current governance efforts in the energy transition. You will study challenges and opportunities at a global level, as well as regional, national, and local approaches in the Netherlands and beyond.

Finally, this course will feature guest speakers from diverse backgrounds, offering varied perspectives on the global energy transition. Excursions provide practical insights into the challenges and opportunities of moving away from fossil fuels. By incorporating these external voices and real-world experiences, the course aims to enrich critical analysis, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues involved in transitioning to a low-carbon energy system. Additionally, the course offers workshops in academic writing and presentation skills.

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

Students, PhD candidates and employees of VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC or an Aurora Network Partner €765 Students and PhD candidates at partner universities of VU Amsterdam €1035 Students and PhD candidates at non-partner universities of VU Amsterdam €1140 Professionals €1360