Renewables and the Energy Transition

On completion of this module, participants are expected to be able to:

1. Appraise the current energy transition and the role of renewable energy technologies.
2. Analyse the prospects and challenges of the different renewable energy technologies and the fundamentals
   of the renewable energy conversion into electricity.
3.  Evaluate the advanced technologies applied in the transportation of renewable-electricity and the role of
   energy storage in addressing its grid-integration challenges.
4. Make informed judgement on the economics of operating renewable-based electrical power systems.

Topics

• An energy outlook: energy classification, statistics, consumption, environmental concerns, and the electricity market reform.
• Energy transition and the renewable energy technologies fundamentals, operation, and challenges.
• Transportation of the renewably generated electrical power.
• Challenges to the integration of large-scale renewable energy generation into the electricity grid and strategies to offset them.
• Role of Energy Storage.
• Economics of operating renewable energy systems.
• Guest Lecture by Energy Transition Industry Expert

Learning Methods

The course will be delivered online using the University’s virtual learning environment, Moodle.

This a 10-week course with 7 weeks for teaching and 2 weeks for working on the assessment and submission.

Teaching will be online using a mix of recorded presentations, PowerPoint slides, recordings, lecture notes and guest lectures. Participants will be expected to engage in online forum discussions. 

There will be a number of optional live drop-in sessions to allow students to interact with each other and staff and ask questions.

Independent Study

This course is completed through online independent study. It is expected that you will spend a minimum of 150 hours study over 10 weeks of the module, including preparation and submission of your assessment (group project/presentation). Your academic tutor will be there to support you through the module.

Assessment

This course is assessed through a single written report to be submitted at the end of the course.

Staff Delivering on This Course

This course has been developed by a team of academic and professional staff with extensive expertise in energy transitions. The team comprise of tutor from School of Computing, Engineering and Technology and experts from the Energy Transition Industry.

Dr Dallia Ali, is a Chartered Engineer, Fellow of Higher Education Academy, Course Leader for MSc Solar Energy Systems at Robert Gordon University, Expert for the European Commission Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA), and her expertise is included in the ETP Scotland's HEI hydrogen capability document to support the Scottish Government's Hydrogen Policy and feed into their upcoming Hydrogen Action Plan. Her research interests include zero-carbon technologies, energy management and storage, implementing renewable energy technologies and green hydrogen technology for decarbonizing the energy, heat and transport sectors carbon footprint. She has a submission in the Energy Transitions to the UK Universities COP26 Network’s Innovation Showcase. Prior to RGU she was Visiting Associate Professor at Texas A &M University in Qatar and HBKU (Qatar Foundation) and Chair of R&D for Monsson Middle East.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All online learning students, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.