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402-0737-00L 6 Credits BSC , DZ , SHE , MSC D-GESS , D-PHYS
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Energy and Sustainability in the 21st Century (Part I)

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Peter Morf
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:11

Abstract

Part I of this course covers the energy-related topics in this two-semester course. The importance of energy to life and our modern culture is explored and placed in the perspective of the ongoing energy transition in the context of necessary and urgent decarbonization efforts. How much energy do we need and how can it be provided in a way that enables a sustainable existence?

Objective

Why is energy important for life, economy and our society? How did energy use change over time? Which effects did these changes have on the environment? What are the physical basics of energy technologies? When, why and how did technology and science of energy come together? What are the limits and benefits of all the various energy technologies? How can different energy technologies be compared? Can we understand the changes in the current energy systems? How will the energy systems of the future look like? How fast can we and should we enforce the current energy transition? Which could be the overall guide lines for a working and sustainable energy system of the future?

Content

1. Introduction to Energy – what is it all about 2. Energy and making use of it – a short history of energy use and an overview on energy technologies 3. Coal, oil and natural gas – fossil fuels 4. Renewables I: Biomass, Hydropower, and Wind Energy – from traditional use to the modern concepts 5. Renewables II: Geothermal, Tidal power and Solar Technologies – new renewables to lead the change 6. Nuclear power, radioactivity and ultimate storage – the quest for a safe technology 7. Breeding and Nuclear Fusion – can it work at all? 8. Energy Storage – the need to increase capacity and for new technologies 9. Climate Change and Decarbonisation of the Energy Mix – how much time do we have? 10. Energy Efficiency, Buildings and Mobility – new Technologies, Rebounds and new Ways of life? 11. Energy Systems – how everything can play together 12. Life Cycle Assessment of Energy Technologies – problems and possibilities 13. Economics of Energy, Learning Curves, Technology Assessments and Innovation. 14. The Actual Energy Transition and Decarbonisation – How is your 2040, 2050?

Resources

Literature

The Physics of Energy, R.L. Jaffe, W. Taylor, 2018 Clean Disruption of Energy and Transportation, T. Seba 2014 Energy and Civilization: A History, V. Smil, 2018 Renewable Energy – Without the Hot Air, D.J.c. Mackay 2009

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , DZ , SHE , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes
Language of examination: English or German / Prüfungssprache: Deutsch oder Englisch

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Energy and Sustainability in the 21st Century (Part I)
  • Fri 08:45-10:30 (HIT F 32)
2 h weekly
exercise Energy and Sustainability in the 21st Century (Part I)
  • Fri 10:45-11:30 (HIT F 32)
1 h weekly

Offered In