Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2021 - 2022
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Description Presents core concepts in the technology and policy challenges of energy system decarbonisation, including key drivers and constraints, nationally and internationally (climate change, resource depletion, sustainable development). Enables students to engage in critical analysis of consequent technical, social, political and business policy issues. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the challenges of climate change and fossil fuel resource depletion at global and national levels. 2. Explain the system characteristics of key energy supply technologies (FF, VRE, BE, CCS, Nuclear fission). 3. Explain the system characteristics of energy consumption (sectors: heat, transport, electricity; demand reduction, efficiency, rebound). 4. Explain the potential decarbonisation roles of diverse energy conversion and storage technologies. 5. Critically assess alternative decarbonisation strategies and corresponding energy system configurations and evolution. 6. Critically discuss the interactions between climate, energy, development, ethics and justice (globally and nationally). 7. Formulate and critically assess policy proposals in relation to energy system decarbonisation. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities Introduction to climate science and policyPlanetary energy balance; role of greenhouse gases; CO2 as a cumulative (stock) pollutant; risks; mitigation and adaptation; UNFCCC, Paris Agreement; temperature goals; global carbon quota; common but differentiated responsibilities and capabilities, equity, justice. Scale and urgency of required mitigation.Energy fundamentalsEnergy concept, conservation (1st Law of Thermodynamics), units, flows (power), usable energy/exergy, degradation (2nd Law of Thermodynamics), forms (mechanical, chemical, thermal etc.), conversion, efficiency, energy return on energy invested (EROEI), embodied energy, storage.Energy supplyDominance of fossil fuels (FF); resource depletion; variable renewables (VRE: wind, solar); Bioenergy (BE); carbon capture and storage (CCS); nuclear fission; hydro; geothermal; wave and tidal.Energy consumptionCoupling with material needs, economic activity (GDP); efficiency, rebound; constraint, equity (national, global); sectors: heating, transport (including aviation and shipping), electricity.Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)Forestry, soil carbon, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS), enhanced weathering; interactions with the energy system.Energy system integration and decarbonisationSupply mix, balance, electrification of heat and transport, dealing with variability (VRE): over capacity, curtailment, storage; electricity transmission, distribution, smart grid, interconnection, demand management, demand constraint.Policy and governanceEnergy system "trilemma" (security, "sustainability", cost); regulation, market based measures; EU instruments (Renewable Energy Directive, Emissions Trading System, Effort Sharing Decision/Regulation, Governance of the Energy Union); Tradable Energy Quotas (TEQs); carbon taxation; ethics, equity, just transition; roles of government, business, citizens; societal communication and engagement. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources 38558, website, European Commission, 0, [EU] 2030 climate & energy framework, https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/strategies/2030_en, 38559, website, David Connolly, 2014, Green Plan Ireland, http://dconnolly.net/greenplanireland/, 38560, film, Trócaire, 2016, The Burning Question [documentary], http://tinyurl.com/yckeqeyw, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Programme or List of Programmes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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