Course Syllabus

Renewable Energy Systems

 

Semester & Location:	Summer 2018 - DIS Copenhagen
Type & Credits:	Core Course - 3 credits
Core Course Study Tours:	Glücksburg and Berlin, Germany
Major Disciplines:	Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Public Policy
Faculty Members:	Carlos Garcia-Robles
Program Director:	Neringa Vendelbo - nb@dis.dk
Time & Place:	See Calendar Below & ST3-21

 

Description of Course

With environmental issues and climate change on the rise, we must begin to radically re-think our energy systems. Currently, less than 5% of worldwide energy supplies are from renewable energies, even though technological advancements allow for at least 50-60%. But is this truly possible and if so, why hasn't more renewable energies been implemented? 

This course examines the technical, economic, political, and social aspects of renewable energy and its link with societies. Different renewable energy technologies (wind, solar, hydro, biomass, etc.) are explored, and the strengths and weaknesses of different policy options (feed-in tariffs, quotas, etc.) are discussed. Students will learn about implementing renewable energies at the local, national, and regional levels as well as exploring renewable energies through a business perspective.

 

Learning Objectives

• To acquire basic knowledge on relevant energy technologies.
• To have an overall understanding of energy systems.
• To understand the complex relationship between energy and society.
• To have a basic understanding of energy and electricity markets.
• Policy and renewable energy systems.

Faculty

Carlos Garcia-Robles

Cand.techn.soc. (Technological & Socio-Economic Planning, Roskilde University, 2009). B.A. (International Relations, National Autonomous University of Mexico, 2004). Represented Mexican NGOs during WSSD process, 2002. Member of the Energy and Climate Group, Project coordinator for Friends of the Earth Denmark for COP15 process. With DIS since 2011.

 

Readings

Ferry, Robert: A Field Guide To Renewable Energy

Scheer, Hermann: A Solar Manifesto, Routledge; 2nd edition (April 5, 2005).

Lovins, Amory: Reinventing Fire: Bold Business Solutions for the New Energy Era. (available on Canvas)

Lund, Henrik (2010): Renewable Energy Systems: The Choice and Modeling of 100% Renewable Solutions. Elsevier. (to be picked up from library)

Wind the Danish Way; From Poul la Cour to Modern Wind Turbines (2009) The Poul la Cour Foundation (to be picked up from library).

• Readings, articles, videos and excerpts uploaded to Canvas

• All readings that are not found in the main textbook are on Canvas

• All presentations must be prepared with Boyle, Geoffrey: Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future book, available at the library.

 

Field Studies

In this course, you will have two field studies.

1. You will visit Lynette Wind Cooperative and take a thorough tour of a wind turbine 

2. Play an Energy Game where you will design the European energy mix for 2030

 

Study Tour - Glücksburg and Berlin, Germany

On study tour, you will be traveling to Southern Jutland in Denmark, Glücksburg and Berlin in Germany. In Denmark you will be visiting Energinet, the Poul la Cour Museum and the Port of Esbjerg. In Germany you will be experiencing how the Germany Renewable Energy Act decentralized and democratized the accessibility and connectivity and production of local energy. You will also learn about how farmers and citizen became energy produces and you will be able to understand why and how this became an innovative and radical process to redesigning the Germany energy system. 

Long Study tour to Germany:  Monday, June 18th to Friday June 22nd.

 

Expectations for study tours

• Participate in all activities
• Engage in discussions, ask questions, and contribute to achieving the learning objectives
• Respect the destination, the speakers, DIS staff, and your fellow classmates
• Represent yourself, your home university, and DIS in a positive light

While on a program study tour DIS will provide hostel/hotel accommodation, transportation to/from the destination(s), approx. 2 meals per day, and entrances, guides, and visits relevant to your area of study or the destination. You will receive a more detailed itinerary prior to departure.

Travel policies: You are required to travel with your group to the destination. If you have to deviate from the group travel plans, you need approval from the program director and the study tours office prior to departure. You are free to return to Copenhagen on your own if you choose to do so, but must stay with the group through the last visit and inform your study tour leaders of your plans in advance. 

 

Approach to Teaching

The course is taught through a mixture of lectures, assignments, group work and discussions. Guest speakers, field studies, and a study tour will also be incorporated and are important parts of the learning process. This session incorporates a one-week study tour to Germany. The study tour will be a mixture of academic and cultural visits and activities.

The course elements are:

• Lectures, including students’ preparation and contribution to discussion of the readings and faculty’s input

• Assignments related to supply, market and negation games

• Field studies and guest speakers

• Study tour to Germany

 

Expectations of the Students

Assignments and grading elements (you will receive written instructions in class regarding individual assignment details):

Assignment	Percent
1. Preparation of key questions  for discussion in class.	20%
2. ''Changing the Game" paper	15%
3. Final Exam	30%
4. Presentation questions	20%
Class and Study Tour Participation: Attendance Active participation in class and study tour discussions Preparation for each class Reading all assigned texts Preparing all assignments for class Reflection on reading Active participation in field studies and study tour visits	15%

Assignment guides will be provided and references to written assignments much be added if used/necessary.

 

Disability and Resource Statement  

Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Academic Support (acadsupp@dis.dk) to coordinate this.  In order to receive accommodations, students should inform the instructor of approved DIS accommodations within the first two weeks of classes.

 

Policies

Attendance

You are expected to attend all classes, guest lectures, workshops and field studies. If you must miss a class for religious holidays, medical reasons, or other valid reasons, you must let us know as far in advance as possible of the absence and obtain information about the work you must do to keep up in class. If you miss a class for any other reason (sudden illness, family emergency, etc.), you should get in touch with us as soon as possible and arrange to make up the work missed.

Deadline Policy

Assignments and papers handed in after the deadline are not accepted and will be graded as failed. If you’re ill (and can provide a valid doctor’s note) or have good reasons for not being able to meet a deadline, make sure to consult the instructor.

Academic Honesty

Plagiarism and Violating the Rules of an Assignment

DIS expects that students abide by the highest standards of intellectual honesty in all academic work. DIS assumes that all students do their own work and credit all work or thought taken from others.   Academic dishonesty will result in a final course grade of “F” and can result in dismissal. The students’ home universities will be notified. DIS reserves the right to request that written student assignments be turned in electronic form for submission to plagiarism detection software.  See the Academic Handbook for more information, or ask your instructor if you have questions.

Confidentiality 

Due to the nature of some of our visits throughout the semester, you may be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement with regards to privacy of some Cleantech knowledge. In the event that a company requires you to keep information confidential, please be advised that information regarded as confidential will not be allowed to be posted on DIS forum, made available on the internet, or distributed to 3rd parties.

Laptops and Technology 

Laptop computer policy: While most students find that taking notes by hand in class is quite sufficient for review purposes, you are allowed to use a computer in class for writing lecture/discussion notes. However, you are asked not to use computers in class to write e-mails, connect to social media, or conduct other such activities as this is quite disrespectful and distracting for me and other students. Failure to show this courtesy will result in a reduction of your class participation grade.

 DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISaborad.org