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Technology Pathways for the Energy Transition
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:08:08
Abstract
The technology pathways for the energy transition of 5 key energy demand sectors are covered: Which energy carriers and technologies are potentially available in time, at which costs? What are their strengths and weaknesses? What technological, financial and regulatory barriers exist? Which are the “tipping points” and suitable policies for the decarbonization of these sectors?
Objective
The course aims at complementing the other eligible courses in Module 3, especially D-USYS courses that focus on policy and stakeholder interaction. The course focuses on 5 energy demand sectors where “not policy, but physics” will finally determine which technology will be used in the future. Students are able to 1) systematically apply technical and physical reasoning on energy efficiency and physical properties of energy carriers and energy conversion 2) combine the technical characteristics in order to assess the potential of all suitable energy carriers (for each of the 5 key energy demand sectors) 3) collaboratively combine the findings for the 5 key energy demand sectors and derive conclusions for the total energy system
Content
The course focuses on 5 key energy demand sectors, and for each of these sectors, (1) first derives the set of potential energy carriers, (2) analyses their characteristics, constraints and availability, in order to (3) arrive at the most likely set of future energy carriers, for each of the 5 key demand sectors, compatible with a net zero energy system. For each of the 5 key energy sectors, the course first provides basic knowledge (2 weeks, with 2 hours of frontal lectures each), and then a workshop at an external industrial venue takes place. Workshop 1 = Trucks and buses Workshop 2 = Industrial high-temperature processes Workshop 3 = Energy hubs and power grid Workshop 4 = Aviation Workshop 5 = Maritime Transport As an envelope, the first and last weeks of the course start with introductory knowledge, and sum up the findings for the total energy system
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Technology Pathways for the Energy Transition | No time listed | 3 h weekly |
Offered In
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Major in Forest and Landscape Management (Students who started the specialization in Forest and Landscape Management before HS25 can complete the specialization according to the study guide 2024/25 or according to this structure. Students who start the specialization in Forest and Landscape Management in HS25 or later study according to the 2013 regulations, edition 29.04.2025 - 8. The new structure of this specialization (Forests/Landscapes/Soils/Data), is also shown in the current VVZ.)
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Theoretical Foundations for Environmental Policy (One of the two courses either 701-1563-00 Climate Policy or 701-1651-00 Environmental Governance is compulsory)
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