Energy is a potent and dynamic area of public policy. It fuels our homes, workplaces, industries, economies, and transport systems. At the same time conflicts over energy sources have led to global economic shocks, and even wars. Further energy crises loom large: affordable sources of fossil fuels are on the decline, while energy demand continues to rise. Nations and global institutions are also struggling to respond to the challenge of climate change. All this makes contemporary energy governance a complex business. For example, how can governments ensure affordable sources of energy in the future? What are the most effective ways to promote low-carbon sources of energy, such as wind and solar? Does nuclear energy offer the solution? To what extent do we need to reform existing socio-technical and administrative systems associated with the generation, distribution and use of energy? How are consumers and citizens responding to climate change, and what role might they play in future energy reforms?

This course examines debates on energy reform and global climate change from a political perspective. It considers the political economy and geopolitics of energy resources, and explores issues facing energy governance at international, national and local levels. The democratic dimensions of energy reform will also be discussed, particularly the challenge of promoting long term energy reforms in the context of electoral politics. Students will engage with scholars and practitioners working on energy issues in an interactive and group-based learning environment.

On successful completion of this course students will have:

• demonstrated a working knowledge of key concepts and ideas in energy politics

• considered the major political institutions and actors involved in the energy politics at the international and national level

• debated various aspects of contemporary energy politics including diminishing supplies of affordable energy resources, concerns for security of supply and climate change.

• demonstrated the capacity to research and critically analyse relevant literature, case studies and policies on energy;

• practised professional skills to present ideas clearly, and facilitate the learning of others.

• contributed to informed discussions on various theoretical and practical aspects of energy reform;

• reflected on the politics and challenges of steering energy reforms

• demonstrated the ability to think independently, and persuasively communicate ideas in the field of energy politics and policy.

Assessment tasks will be designed to ensure that the students fulfill the learning objectives of the course, while also taking into consideration its intensive delivery mode.

• Critical review of key literature (30%)
• Case study response (30%)
• In-Class presentation (15%)
• Reflective exercise (25%)
  

Passing the course is conditional on passing all items of assessment.

Approx. 30 contact hours.

At least 30 hours outside of contact hours to complete the course

Below is an indicative list of some of the diverse journal articles, international reports, policy documents and media pieces that students will consider:

• Elhefnawy, Nader (2008), "The Impending Oil Shock", Survival 50 (2):37-66.
• Hendriks, Carolyn M. (2008), "On Inclusion and Network Governance: the democratic disconnect of Dutch energy transitions", Public Administration.
• Holden, Matthew (2006), "Reflections on how political sciences (and others) might think about energy policy", in M. Moran, Martin Rein and Robert E Goodin (eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Public Policy, Oxford: Oxford University Press., 872-889.
• Nohrstedt, Daniel (2008), "The Politics of Crisis Policymaking: Chernobyl and Swedish Nuclear Energy Policy", Policy and Politics 36 (2):257-278.
• OECD (2008), Energy Technology Perspectives 2008: Scenarios & Strategies to 2050, Paris.
• Wüstenhagen, Rolf, Maarten Wolsink, and Mary Jean Burer (2007), "Social acceptance of renewable energy innovation: An introduction to the concept", Energy Policy 35 (5):2683-2691.