Course Syllabus

SYLLABUS

Sustainable Energy Systems

Semester & Location:	SP 2027 - DIS Stockholm
Type & Credits:	Elective course - 3 credits
Faculty:	Asterios Papageorgiou - Contact via Canvas Inbox
Time:	TBA
Classroom:	TBA
Major Disciplines:	Engineering, Environmental Science
Related Disciplines:	Chemistry / Biochemistry, Physics / Biophysics
Prerequisites:	Two courses in math, plus a total of five courses within engineering, basic science (biology, chemistry, physics), and/or computer science, all at university level. At least one of these courses should be an engineering course. It is recommended to have taken a course in thermodynamics. If you have not already, you are encouraged to enroll in the DIS Thermodynamics course during the same term as this course.
Program Contact:	CE@dis.dk

Course Description

Traditional energy systems rely heavily on fossil fuels and centralized generation and distribution, contributing to climate change and environmental degradation. Transforming current energy systems is therefore essential, and in Scandinavia, such transitions are already underway.

This course explores the transition to sustainable energy systems that reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable development. Key topics include renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, decentralized energy grids, and strategies for decarbonizing power supply. Through a combination of practical exercises, case studies and projects, students examine the technological, environmental, economic, and societal considerations needed to design and implement sustainable energy systems, gaining the knowledge and skills needed to actively contribute to a sustainable energy future.

The course has a modular structure, as follows:

Module 1: Renewable energy systems

• Introduction to renewable energy
• Solar energy
• Wind energy
• Hydro power
• Geothermal energy
• Bioenergy
• Ocean energy

Module 2: Local renewable energy systems

• Power systems
• Thermal systems
• Energy storage
• Design of decentralized grids

Module 3: Design of sustainable energy systems

• Systems management for supply, demand, distribution and storage of energy
• Assessment of local renewable energy resources
• Energy scenarios
• Assessment of economical impacts
• Assessment of environmental impacts
• Assessment of social impacts

Learning Objectives

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

• Understand the role of energy in modern societies and explain the relationships between energy usage, climate change, environmental impacts and economic development.
• Describe major techno-economic aspects of renewable energy technologies, including wind energy, hydropower, photovoltaic systems, geothermal energy, solar thermal energy, ocean energy and bioenergy.
• Explain the main physics principles behind renewable energy sources.
• Understand the rationale and engineering considerations behind the development of networks of local renewable energy systems.
• Evaluate opportunities and challenges of building sustainable energy systems taking into account societal, environmental and economic perspectives.
• Develop and justify proposals for sustainable energy system solutions at different spatial scales.

Faculty

Asterios Papageorgiou

PhD in Industrial Ecology, KTH, Sweden, 2025

M.Sc. in Sustainable Technology, KTH, 2018

M.Sc. in Sustainable Waste Management, Leeds University, UK, 2006

Has conducted research and published articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and book chapters on topics such as renewable energy systems (e.g., solar microgrids and biochar systems), waste management, circular economy, urban metabolism, and life cycle assessment. Has also taught various post-graduate courses at KTH and supervised student theses. Previously, served as a senior environmental scientist at Klimato, Stockhom (July 2023-May 2026). 

With DIS since 2021.

Readings

Textbook:

Kanoglu, M., Cengel, Y. and Cimbala, J. (2020). Fundamentals and Applications of Renewable Energy. US: McGraw-Hill.

• Chapters 1-12

We will have two course-integrated field studies to learn about how renewable energy systems are designed, built, optimized or utilized. Field studies may include (these are examples):

• A visit to the KTH Live-in Lab. The Live-in Lab is a human built-environment lab with a great number of sensors recording all types of energy and indoor climate data. This digitalized platform provides opportunities for researchers to investigate sustainability innovations.
• A visit to the Ropsten sea-water heat pump facility, one of the largest in the world.
• A visit to a district heating plant.

Guest Lectures

Guest lecturers (experts in specific aspects of energy systems) will be invited to talk about topics of particular interest to students.

Approach to Teaching

The course employs a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, critical analysis of readings, group exercises, and project-based work. We also analyze state-of-the-art published research in the form of journal club. Active participation in classroom discussions, presentations, and collaborative activities is expected. In addition, local field studies provide opportunities to gain first-hand insights from academic and industry experts. The pace and specific activities may be adjusted throughout the course to align with students’ interests and enhance the learning experience.

Expectations of the Students

• Active participation and a willingness to learn are essential components of the course. You play the central role in your own learning journey. As such you are expected to:
  
  • Participate actively during lectures, discussions, group work, and exercises.
  • Read the material prior to class session. This is important for your learning, as a considerable part of the class depends on class discussions.
• You need to be present and participating to receive full credit. Your final grade will be affected by any unexcused absences and a lack of active participation. Remember to be in class on time!
• Classroom etiquette includes being respectful of other opinions, listening to others and entering a dialogue in a constructive manner.
• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• Students shall honestly disclose used sources/references as well as any help received in assignments.
• In an oral assignment/exam, every student must be able to present and answer questions about the whole assignment and corresponding solution(s).
• Laptops may be used for note‐taking, fact‐checking, or assignments in the classroom, but only when indicated by the instructor. At all other times, laptops and electronic devices should be put away during class meetings.

Evaluation

Participation:

• Class attendance, preparation for lectures and other sessions, active participation in learning activities and class discussions. 
• Graded assignments related to lectures.

Exam:

• Open book exam to evaluate: 1) your understanding of the material covered in class and in the textbook, 2) problem-solving capability regarding renewable energy technologies, and 3) your ability to think critically about renewable energy systems and their design.

Journal club: 

• Critically review and present the methods and key findings of a research paper on renewable energy systems.

Final project: 

• Students conduct a research project in which they analyze the engineering principles, design, performance, opportunities, and limitations of an energy system at the city, state, regional, or national level. Based on their analysis, students propose potential future improvements or developments, considering technical feasibility, societal needs, economic factors, and environmental impacts. The project work is presented through a written report that describes the project's objectives, methodology, results, and recommendations, as well as an oral presentation that summarizes the main findings.

Grading