Sustainable & Climate-Friendly Soeicties: Energy Policy – Management – Engineering

The course offers a comprehensive exploration of fostering climate-friendly transitions within societies. It initiates with an in-depth analysis of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a foundational framework and subsequently delves into the pivotal role of energy (SDG 7) in driving sustainable societal transformations. This exploration spans across global contexts, encompassing transformation strategies for both the global south and the global north and discussing matters of justice and fairness in north-south-relationships. The course intricately examines the interconnections between energy, water (SDG 6), food (SDG 2), and climate change (SDG 13), establishing a comprehensive understanding of their interdependent relationship within the transformation process. Emphasizing the significance of technical solutions, the course aims to equip students with essential knowledge pertinent to power and energy systems, particularly focusing on electrical energy systems. This includes an in-depth exploration of topics such as power generation, electric grids, system operation and control, and the integration of renewable energy sources. Moreover, it illuminates the governance structures prevalent at various political levels, commencing from international entities like the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and global climate partnerships, progressing through state alliances such as the European Union, and extending down to the national and local levels. Students gain insights into the multifaceted dimensions of governance necessary for orchestrating societal transformations, fostering a nuanced understanding of change mechanisms across different scales, from the global policy landscape to transformational endeavours within local cities.

Course leader

Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, School of Business, Prof. Dominik Dueber

Target group

The course is aimed at advanced undergraduate and graduate students with an academic background in business administration, public policy, political science, psychology, nonprofit and NGO-management, sustainability management, (electrical) engineering. If you want to join the course but to not have an academic background in the above mentioned disciplines, please get in touch with the program coordinator: short-term@h-da.de

Course aim

By the end of this course students will be able to: 1. describe solutions for sustainable and climate-friendly societies in developed as well as in developing countries. 2. analyse the concept of Planetary Boundaries and explain the guardrails it entails for sustainable development. 3. give a comprehensive overview of renewable energy as a means for sustainable transformation and climate-friendly societies. 4. describe the theory of development cooperation, and sustainable development. 5. apply basic principles of sustainability to engineering and development projects. 6. apply basic principles of sustainability at different political levels, i.e. international cooperation, national policies and the transformation of cities. 7. identify linkages and interdependences between the energy sector and other relevant sectors. 8. describe the operation of electrical power systems in terms of generation, transmission, end use, and operational performance. 9. demonstrate awareness of emergent technologies and industry practices to improve environmental sustainability as well as the importance of safety and reliability in power system operation. 10. communicate using the technical language and concepts specific to electric power system technologies and operation in order to engage in informed discussion and collaborate within the field. 11. understand the global dimension of welfare production and related justice issues.