This module will allow students to use their engineering expertise gained via other modules and their previous experience, supplemented with information from pertinent guest lectures, and apply such to the field of energy system and energy policy development.
The syllabus will include analysis of the UK energy mix, transmission and distribution from an industrial/government point of view, as opposed from that of the purely theoretical.
The topics covered will include: The demand for energy, fossil fuels, electricity generation (conventional, nuclear and renewable), hydrogen, electricity networks, electricity markets, investment decisions, energy security, energy and the environment, and energy policy.
Students will ultimately be expected to design a technology pathway to a specific type of energy system for a small conurbation for near-future implementation of policy and infrastructure (5-10 years). The aim is to give students an overview of the demand for and supply of energy, the technologies involved, and the main economic and policy issues.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Design a detailed technical pathway by which a small conurbation could transition to sustainable energy sources.
Describe how local geography, demographics, and legislation can affect the ability of municipalities to adhere to energy-related targets set both by local and national government.
Authoritatively and critically discuss their technical solutions as part of oral presentations that could be delivered to (for example) policymakers.
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the main demands for energy and how they are currently met, and how they may change in the future.
Discuss how energy policy is developed, implemented and evaluated.
Critically analyse the main economic, environmental and political forces affecting the energy industries, particularly in the UK.
Assessment
41279-01 : Group Presentation : Presentation (20%)
41279-02 : Individual Written Report : Coursework (80%)
