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Energy Innovation and Management
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:23
Abstract
Fundamental changes, such as more decentralized energy production, sector coupling, digitalization, and various crises have challenged and will challenge the existing business models of organizations in the energy sector. This course adopts quantitative and qualitative approaches to explore innovation and managerial, organizational and decision-making aspects towards a net zero energy system.
Objective
After completing the course, students will be able to: • Understand the challenges occurring in the energy sector and that companies (in or relying on the energy sector) are facing • Understand the basics of managerial/organizational aspects in the energy sector with a particular focus on innovations • Identify and use the appropriate quantitative tools for strategic decision-making in the energy sector • Identify and use the appropriate qualitative tools for strategic decision-making in the energy sector
Content
This course explores managerial and decision-making aspects of innovation in the energy sector’s transition towards net-zero emissions. The course includes both quantitative and qualitative elements. In the different sessions of this course, you will travel through time and different departments of a large energy company as the energy sector transforms. The journey starts in an energy sector dominated by centralized, fossil fuel-based power plants. As part of the Generation Department, you will use techno-economic modelling to assess a promising new technology: solar photovoltaics. In the next stop, renewables are already starting to grow, and you will have to discuss whether to bet on the energy transition as part of the Strategy Department, learning how to use energy system models to plan how to integrate new, flexible resources. Fast forward to the present, you will explore the impact of the energy crises affecting the energy sector in transition during the early 2020s. Finally, you will look into the future to consider how the firm will adapt to operating in a changing climate. The course guides you through the energy transition in recent decades to help answer the question: “How do energy firms change and why?” By the end of the course, you will understand how firms (can) manage innovation and why change can be difficult, even for established firms in the energy sector. You will learn to use quantitative tools to assist strategic decision-making, such as financial evaluation of investment decisions and different energy models. You will also employ qualitative tools like interactive case studies, presentations, group assignments, games, and discussions.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Signup End
- 02.02.2025
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Energy Innovation and Management
Irregular lecture
|
|
21 h semesterly |
Offered In
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Wahlfächer (Diese Kurse sind besonders empfohlen, andere ETH-Kurse aus dem Feld Energy Science and Technology im weiteren Sinne können in Absprache mit dem Tutor gewählt werden.)
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Kernfächer (Mindestens je 2 Kernfächer pro Fachrichtung müssen erfolgreich abgelegt werden. Die Teilnahme am Kurs des "Fächerübergreifenden Energiewesens" ist für alle Studierenden obligatorisch.)
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