ENST 287 - Energy Technology and Public Policy

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

(Same as STS 287) Is it possible to power a country, city, or college campus with 100% renewable electricity? What combination of renewables, storage, and grid infrastructure could make this feasible? In this course, students learn how to analyze these types of energy questions using power system models and other tools. This course focuses on the electricity sector and students gain an understanding of how power plants, transmission lines, and other technologies work together to supply electricity. Students use accessible modeling tools to compare energy systems under a variety of climate-focused policies, such as renewable portfolio standards, learning how technical choices connect to policy outcomes. Along the way, students develop skills in system modeling, scenario analysis, and environmental policy evaluation—tools relevant for careers in energy, environment, and sustainability. The goal of the final project, a central feature of the course, is to conduct a personally meaningful analysis that impacts a real-world energy policy, inform a low-carbon infrastructure decision, or start a new sustainability initiative at Vassar. This course is a good fit for anyone who is interested in energy, sustainability, and the environment and no previous knowledge of energy or power systems is required. Students from the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences are all welcome! Michael Roth.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS