DSCI 22A00 - Energy Transitions

Energy is a multifaceted physical concept that mankind has gradually been able to harness and transform over the course of its history. Nature itself has defined different types of energy converters, but since the dawn of mankind, mankind has also developed increasingly complex energy conversion systems through various "energy transitions". However, mankind's growing need for energy has gradually come at the expense of our environment and natural resources, to the point where we are now facing critical issues for future generations. The first part of the course will present a historical overview of the various means of converting energy developed by mankind, as well as the challenges of the 21st century for a sustainable energy transition. A second part will deal with global warming, its consequences and greenhouse gas emissions and how to cope with. In the third part, we will look at the notion of critical raw materials for energy transition, from a technical, economic and geopolitical point of view.

At the end of the course, the student is expected to:

• Exploring energy-related concepts in particular energy conversion and energy transition, understanding orders of magnitude.
• Understand the advantages and disadvantages of different energy sources.
• Analyse and understand an energy transition scenario.
• master the concept of Critical Raw Materials (CRM) and the associated challenges.
• Develop a critical approach to the arguments and scenarios put forward.
• Acquire the mental tools needed to assess and take part in public debates.
• Be able to write a short synthetic document based on relevant sources and references

To validate the course, the student is expected to pass the following assignments :

1°) Memo (max 2 pages) due before session 6: topics will be presented at the end of session 1 (1/3 of grade)

2°) Summary note (max 4 pages) due for session 12: topics will be presented at the end of session 1 (1/3 of grade)

3°) Quiz (1/3 of grade)