This foundational course provides a comprehensive overview of the global shift from a fossil fuel-dominated system to one powered primarily by sustainable and renewable energy sources. It explores the core drivers of this transition, including climate urgency, technological advancement, and economic competitiveness. Participants will gain a holistic understanding of the technological, policy, and market forces reshaping the energy landscape. The program is essential for professionals seeking to align their strategies and organizations with the rapidly evolving future of energy.
Energy Transition Fundamentals: From Fossil Fuels to a Sustainable Future
Energy Transition and Renewable Energy
October 25, 2025
Introduction
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this program, participants will be able to:
- Articulate the core drivers (climate, economic, technological) behind the global energy transition.
- Identify and evaluate the potential of major renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydrogen.
- Analyze the challenges associated with intermittency and the necessity of energy storage solutions.
- Understand the key policy mechanisms (e.g., carbon pricing, feed-in tariffs) accelerating the transition.
- Assess the economic implications for traditional energy sectors and emerging green technologies.
- Describe the role of digitalization and smart grids in enabling a flexible, distributed energy system.
- Develop a foundational vocabulary for discussing complex energy transition projects and strategies.
- Outline the future pathways and scenarios for achieving a net-zero energy system.
Target Audience
- New entrants to the energy sector and consulting
- Policy analysts and government officials
- Non-technical professionals needing a strategic overview
- Finance and investment analysts
- Sustainability and ESG officers
- Journalists and communicators covering energy
- Business Development Managers across industries
Methodology
- **Scenarios:** Evaluating a national energy mix based on resource availability and policy constraints.
- **Case Studies:** Analyzing the energy transition strategies of Denmark, Germany, and California.
- **Group Activities:** Collaborative development of a short-term policy recommendation to accelerate grid modernization.
- **Individual Exercises:** Calculating and comparing the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for simple PV and natural gas plants.
- **Mini-Case Studies:** Quick analysis of a failed green technology startup and identifying its core missteps.
- **Syndicate Discussions:** Debating the ethical responsibilities of major oil and gas companies during the transition.
- **Presentation:** Preparing a brief for an executive team summarizing the core transition risks and opportunities.
Personal Impact
- Acquisition of comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge on the energy sector's future.
- Improved strategic decision-making capacity in energy-related projects.
- Enhanced credibility as a sustainability and energy transition advocate.
- Mastery of key economic and policy concepts shaping the new market.
- Stronger ability to communicate complex energy challenges to non-experts.
- Positioning for career growth in rapidly expanding green sectors.
Organizational Impact
- Clearer corporate strategy aligned with net-zero and ESG targets.
- Improved risk management regarding future carbon liabilities and regulation.
- Enhanced organizational ability to identify and invest in high-growth green technologies.
- Optimization of internal energy consumption and procurement practices.
- Attraction and retention of top talent seeking purpose-driven work.
- A proactive response to stakeholder and investor pressure on sustainability.
Course Outline
Unit 1: The Global Imperative for Change
Drivers and Context of the Transition- The scientific basis of climate change and energy's role.
- Key international agreements (Paris Agreement, COP summits).
- Analysis of global energy consumption patterns and trends.
- Economic drivers: falling costs of renewables (LCOE).
- Understanding the concept of the global carbon budget.
- Defining the three pillars of the transition: Decarbonization, Decentralization, and Digitalization.
Unit 2: Core Renewable Energy Technologies
Potential and Deployment Status- Detailed overview of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) technology.
- The current state of Onshore and Offshore Wind power.
- Role of Bioenergy, Hydropower, and Geothermal resources.
- Introduction to Hydrogen as an energy carrier and its color-coded spectrum.
- Comparing the maturity and scalability of different renewable sources.
Unit 3: System Challenges and Enablers
Grid Stability and Integration- The challenge of intermittency and variability in wind and solar.
- The essential role of utility-scale and decentralized energy storage.
- Foundations of Smart Grid technology and bidirectional power flow.
- Demand-Side Management (DSM) and its role in balancing the grid.
- Transmission and distribution infrastructure modernization needs.
- Digitalization: AI, IoT, and analytics for grid optimization.
Unit 4: Policy, Regulation, and Market Forces
Accelerating the Shift- Review of carbon pricing mechanisms (ETS, carbon tax).
- Policy tools: Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) and feed-in tariffs.
- The role of government subsidies and R&D support.
- Market design: adapting wholesale electricity markets for renewables.
- International energy governance and technology transfer.
Unit 5: Economics, Finance, and Future Pathways
Funding the Sustainable Future- Introduction to Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and Storage (LCOS).
- Financing models: green bonds, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and project finance.
- The concept of stranded assets in the fossil fuel sector.
- Circular Economy models and their application in the energy sector.
- Scenarios for a 100% renewable energy system and net-zero targets.
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