The transformation of the global energy system into a sustainable and climate-friendly system touches on various conflict cleavages that are highly contextual. The geophysical attributes of a country define not only the composition of its energy portfolio but also public acceptance. (Energy) Technologies need to be seen as a social product from the perspective of the society.
The course is a research seminar employing participatory methods. The course is itself a research activity that allow students to maximize learning experience. It intends to provide students with comprehensive knowledge of the national energy systems of selected countries and understand the complexity of the context. Analytical and critical understanding of these systems under various political, social, economic and environmental conditions are necessary for a pragmatic approach to assessing how a national energy system can transform into a sustainable, low-carbon system that effectively addresses goals in development, climate protection, and energy supply security. The solution-oriented approach in this course sensitizes students to the economic, social and ethical barriers that arise as the transformation process unfolds.