Contemporary Energy Problems

Course title

7M992800

Purpose of class

This course examines the interdependencies among global energy systems, climate dynamics, water resources, and emerging digital infrastructures. Through case-based analysis of topics such as hydropower vulnerability, AI-driven electricity demand, critical mineral supply chains, and advanced nuclear and geothermal technologies, students will engage with the technical, environmental, and geopolitical dimensions of energy transitions. The course aims to develop critical competencies in assessing sustainable energy strategies and policy frameworks within the context of resource constraints, technological innovation, and international security considerations.

Course content

This course surveys contemporary global energy systems with a focus on their interactions with climate change, water resources, digitalization and geopolitics. It introduces key analytical frameworks and applies them to topics such as AI‑driven electricity demand, critical mineral supply chains, long‑duration storage, next‑generation nuclear and geothermal, and the circular carbon economy. Through regionally diverse case studies, students will examine infrastructure and policy choices in contexts including hydropower‑constrained grids, petro‑states, emerging hydrogen and LNG networks, and increasingly cyber‑physical, data‑intensive power systems.

Goals and objectives

Develop the ability to analyze global energy systems in relation to climate change, water scarcity, and resource constraints.
Critically evaluate the technical, economic, and geopolitical dimensions of key energy technologies, including renewables, nuclear, hydrogen, and long‑duration storage.
Assess the implications of digitalization, AI, and cybersecurity for the reliability, resilience, and governance of modern power systems.
Apply interdisciplinary frameworks to real‑world case studies in order to propose informed, evidence‑based strategies for sustainable and secure energy transitions.

Relationship between 'Goals and Objectives' and 'Course Outcomes'

	Poster presentation	Comments and Questions during the class	Total.
1.	20%	5%	25%
2.	20%	5%	25%
3.	20%	5%	25%
4.	20%	5%	25%
Total.	80%	20%	-

Language

Class schedule

	Class schedule	HW assignments (Including preparation and review of the class.)	Amount of Time Required
1．	Introduction, The IPCC report, The Paris Agreement	review of the class material, self-study	150minutes
2．	Climate, Water and Power Systems	review of the class material, self-study	150minutes
3．	AI, Data Centers and Electricity	review of the class material, self-study	150minutes
4．	Energy, War and Geopolitics	review of the class material, self-study	150minutes
5．	Critical Minerals: Greenland, Congo and the Seabed	review of the class material, self-study	150minutes
6．	Future Fuels, Grids and Infrastructure	review of the class material, self-study	150minutes
7．	Nuclear, Oil and Petro States	review of the class material, self-study	150minutes
8．	China, Renewables and Supply Chains	review of the class material, self-study	150minutes
9．	Circularity, CO₂ and Recovery	review of the class material, self-study	150minutes
10．	Grids, Blackouts and Sector Cases	review of the class material, self-study	150minutes
11．	Long-Duration Energy Storage	review of the class material, self-study	150minutes
12．	Next-Generation Nuclear and Geothermal	review of the class material, self-study	150minutes
13．	Digitalization and Cybersecurity of Energy Systems	review of the class material, self-study	150minutes
14．	Poster presentation	Preparation of the poster presentation	700minutes
Total.	-	-	2650minutes

Evaluation method and criteria

Student performance will be evaluated based on the quality and rigor of their poster presentation as well as their active, constructive participation in class discussions and activities.

Feedback on exams, assignments, etc.