K2SP 3370 - Energy & Climate Change Economics

This course provides students with an overview of the fundamental concepts of economic issues and theories related to energy and climate change. The objective is to familiarize students with the main challenges in the energy sector, including those related to climate change. This economics course examines energy issues that pertain to the environment.

More precisely, this course examines the economics of markets for various energy sources, and their interactions with each other and with the rest of the economy. It will cover a variety of theoretical and empirical topics related to energy demand, supply, costs, prices, and consequences of energy activities. It examines the economics of resource use with a particular emphasis on world oil and gas markets and issues surrounding energy security. Energy markets are analyzed with an emphasis on the electricity market. Issues surrounding energy economics and climate change, energy efficiency and policy measures to promote renewable energy sources are discussed.

Climate change issues have received increasing attention over the past years, with a large impact on the energy systems. Climate change regulation economic tools will be discussed during this course, and how energy and environmental policies can address the challenge of carbon emissions.

-Some Microeconomics and Mathematics prerequisites.

-Online elearning will be made available on Moodle.

The course will be delivered through a mix of lectures, case studies, and interactive workshops. Each session will combine theoretical insights with practical applications to help students understand the economic principles of energy and climate change. Group work will be emphasized during workshops to foster collaboration and problem-solving skills, while individual assignments will allow for deeper analysis. Online resources will be available through Moodle for further reading and self-assessment exercises.

Throughout the semester, key resources will be provided to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the course material. These include:

-Detailed syllabus: A comprehensive guide to the course content, objectives, and assignments.

-Lecture slides: To support and reinforce in-class teachings.

-Economic concepts presentation: Key theoretical frameworks for understanding energy economics.

-Optional readings: Selected academic papers and book chapters for deeper insights.

-Short videos: Visual resources to illustrate complex concepts and real-world applications.

-Self-tests: Online quizzes available through Moodle for self-assessment and knowledge consolidation.

30% Online individual exam

35% Assignment #1 : renewable energy project evaluation

35% Assignment #2 : energy economics workshop

The workload for this course is designed to balance in-class activities with independent study. Students are expected to engage in preparation and follow-up work of the class, in addition to attending lectures and workshops. This includes reading assigned materials, reviewing lecture slides, and completing practical exercises. During the workshops, students will work on case studies and group assignments that simulate real-world energy market scenarios. Additional resources, including self-tests and optional readings, will be available on Moodle to help students deepen their understanding and apply theoretical concepts to practical situations.