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Energy Innovation and Management
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:22
Abstract
The energy sector is constantly changing, from the rise of renewables to the recent energy crisis to the growing impacts of climate change. Organizations in the energy sector must constantly adapt. How can energy companies navigate all these changes? This course teaches you quantitative and qualitative techniques, putting you in the shoes of decision-makers in energy-sector organizations.
Objective
After completing the course, students will be able to: • Understand system, technological, and organizational-level changes in the energy sector. • Apply relevant methods and tools for decision-making in the context of these changes in the energy sector. • Quantitatively assess strategic investment options under technological change and uncertainty in the energy sector. • Cooperatively develop a quantitative model for evaluating capacity and operation decisions in an energy system. • Make, justify and question decisions based on qualitative and quantitative evaluation of alternatives in the context of a changing energy sector. • Effectively negotiate and work together with others to elaborate strategic action plans in the context of energy sector changes. • Clearly communicate key results and implications to senior decision-makers and in discussions with colleagues in the context of the energy sector. • Critically evaluate strategic recommendations in the context of the energy sector.
Content
This course explores managerial and decision-making aspects of innovation and change in the energy sector’s transition towards net-zero emissions. The course includes both quantitative and qualitative elements. Throughout the various sessions of this course, you will travel through time as the energy sector evolves, assuming different roles. The journey begins in an energy sector dominated by centralized, fossil-fuel-based power plants. You will use techno-economic modelling to assess a promising new technology: solar photovoltaics. At the next stop, renewables are already starting to grow and now threaten fossil fuel units of one major company. You will need to negotiate whether to bet on the energy transition or continue to rely on the existing business unit. Next, you will learn how to use energy system models to plan the integration of new, flexible resources. Fast forward to the present, and you will explore the impact of energy crises affecting the energy sector in transition during the early 2020s. Finally, you will look into the future to consider how energy firms 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 other changes like crises and understand 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, such as interactive case studies, presentations, role-playing, group assignments, games, and discussions.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Signup End
- 13.02.2026
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Energy Innovation and Management
Irregular lecture
|
|
21 h semesterly |
Offered In
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Electives (These courses are particularly recommended, other ETH-courses from the field of Energy Science and Technology at large may be chosen in accordance with your tutor.)
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Core Courses (At least two core courses must be passed in each area. All students must participate in the course offered in the area "Interdisciplinary Energy Management")
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