Powering the Planet

Global electricity generation is projected to increase by a minimum of 30% from 2022 to 2050, and 81% to 95% of the new electric-generating capacity will come from zero-carbon technologies. In this course, students will learn about how the planet is powered, including energy generation, transmission, storage, and consumption, for both electricity and transportation fuels. After exploring these topics, we will focus on commercially successful technologies in Brazil, such as sugarcane ethanol, and explore what influences or inhibits commercial success of renewable energy technologies in different global contexts. Lastly, we will learn about energy economics and environmental impacts and the roles they play in the global energy markets.