Energy planning, climate and public policies

Curriculum: Electrical Engineering

Humankind is facing an unprecedented environmental crisis of global proportions.

Scientists from across the world have issued stark warnings about the potential disruption and destabilization that changes in Earth’s climate will most likely cause in the near future for the life systems upon which modern civilization depends. The social and political implications of climate change have begun to become apparent as local communities in widely different parts of the world struggle to adapt to new patterns of excessive rainfall, prolonged droughts and severe weather events.

Internationally, nation states have endeavored to forge diplomatic agreements to help humankind cope with both the causes and consequences of global climate change.

Energy is either directly or indirectly the main source of climate-related emissions. Hence, energy conversion, distribution and use is critical. Energy planning, trends will be presented, together with a feasible scenario that would lead to a 100% renewable society by 2050. 

Energy storage solutions, that are a main driver towards a renewable society, will be analysed and qualitatively described with reference to buildings.