Sustainable Energy Technologies: Introduction (open uni, spring-summer 2025, online)

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The course significantly advances students´ understanding of sustainable production, distribution and utilization of energy, and promotes life-long learning. After completing the course, the student can * understand the basic concepts of sustainable energy technologies and their role in achieving sustainability goals. ­* identify and describe different energy sources, including renewable and non-renewable sources, and their environmental impacts from life-cycle perspective ­* comprehend key global and EU energy policies, climate change frameworks, and sustainable energy strategies. ­* compare the efficiency and benefits of different renewable energy systems (e.g., solar, wind, bioenergy). ­* describe how energy is distributed from production to consumption and understand basic challenges related to energy distribution (e.g., grid management). ­* explain the importance and types of energy storage (e.g., batteries, pumped hydro storage). ­* reflect on the societal and environmental impacts of different energy technologies and contribute to discussions on sustainable energy transitions. ­* apply basic sustainability principles when evaluating the pros and cons of various energy systems. In addition, the course develops * problem-solving and decision-making skills (e.g. comparison of energy sources, responsibility), * analytical and critical thinking skills (e.g. interpretation of energy production and consumption statistics), and * general skills related ethics, responsibility and sustainability (production, distribution and utilization of energy)

All learning materials for the course are provided on the course page on the Moodle platform.

The themes of this course can be explored in more depth in the course of TECH1000B Sustainable Energy Technologies: Applications (only available to the degree students at the University of Vaasa).