Course Description

 

Renewable energy sources play a key role in the transition toward a zero-carbon society: by 2050, they are expected to supply more than 2/3 of the global energy demand, strongly contributing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limiting the effects of global warming. The MOOC offers an updated and comprehensive overview of renewable energy technologies, from technical and economic perspectives.

 

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

- Describe fundamentals and main characteristics of renewable energy sources and technologies and their differences compared to fossil fuels;

- Evaluate the effects that current energy systems based on fossil fuels have over the environment and the advantages of renewable energy sources;

- Compare different renewable energy technologies and choose the most appropriate based on local conditions;

- Perform simple energy, environmental and techno-economical assessments of renewable energy systems;

- Design, at least at a preliminary level, renewable/hybrid energy systems;

- Discuss how to utilize local energy sources to improve the sustainability of energy-related activities.