K2SP 3155 - Energy Transition for Climate Mitigation and Socioeconomic Development

The energy systems that powered the economic rise of industrialised countries are now under pressure from three converging forces: the urgent need to address environmental degradation and climate change, surging global energy demand, and a shifting landscape of international governance. Across the European Union, a broad coalition of social actors is championing an "energy transition" — one that would reduce the environmental footprint of how we produce and consume energy, while ensuring affordability, security of supply, and social equity.

This course examines the complex relationship between energy and environmental challenges in the European Union, both today and in recent history, and critically evaluates the strategies and policies designed to bring about such a transition. Drawing on multiple disciplinary perspectives, it integrates the study of biophysical limits to energy transformation with an analysis of the economic and social obstacles standing in the way of a fully decarbonised energy system.

The course is structured around three progressive stages. It opens with a diagnostic session mapping the current state of the energy system and the challenges it faces. It then moves into three sessions dedicated to long-term decarbonisation scenarios, exploring possible futures and the conditions required to achieve them. The bulk of the course (seven sessions) is devoted to sectoral decarbonisation policies, examining the specific characteristics of each sector, drawing lessons from past successes and failures, and identifying the most promising pathways forward.

No pre-requisites but a strong motivation to use tools from several academic disciplines (political science, economics, sustainability studies) and a strong interest in sustainability and energy issues.

To follow the session in-class, students should be able to use basic knowledge on energy generation and consumption technologies, on orders of magnitude of the current energy system, on links between the energy system and planetary boundaries, and on the main levers for decarbonisation. They will be given relevant material to get familiar with all necessary concepts before each class.

-At each session, one teacher will give the lecture which will be dynamic and interactive

-The lecture will focus on discussing some key political debates rather than describing technical aspects of the energy system.

-For students to be able to follow and participate to each sesion, they should be able to use specific concepts related to energy conversion and consumption.

-Necessary concepts for each course will be listed before the course starts. Students will be given relevant material ahead of the class to cover any knowledge gaps. They will be able to ask questions to the teaching assistant if necessary.

-Students will work on a final essay through the semester for which they need to submit a detailed outline mid-semester with a list of >10 relevant references (see detail below). The teaching team will provide possible topics; students can also work on a topic of their choice provided it is approved by the teaching team.

Questionnaire on scenario analysis in class during session 5 (20%), detailed paper outline (20%), final 18,000 characters paper (60%).

Grading scales and example papers from previous years will be provided on Moodle.

The questionnaire in session 5 will test students’ understanding of data shown in the long-term scenarios studies for the class.

Outline format (size limit: 2 pages excluding reference list):

-introduction (approx. 1 page) containing: context, problem definition, subject relevance, research gap, scope setting, short summary of your approach: methods, theoretical framework, & brief outline of the paper.

-outline of paper structure: title of main sections and subsections (optional).

-reference list: list of relevant sources for the paper, both general and specific, which students will be using for their research, formatted using APA style.

Outlines will be graded (30% of final grade) and individualised feedback will be provided mid-semester to help build the final paper.

Format for final paper (max 18,000 characters excl. references, tables, figures and footnotes)

-introduction

-development

-conclusion

-reference list.

The final paper should build on the work submitted for the outline but content can change.

As this course aims to provide foundational methodological tools to students in paper drafting, critical thinking and academic writing; students are encouraged to not rely on generative AI for paper drafting and editing

generative AI can be used to translate policy documents into English if necessary.

Reading papers before each session and collect data in the long-term scenarios provided in class. Instructions will be given weekly.

Writing one individual essay throughout the semester, for which an outline should be submitted mid-semester.