Business of Energy in the 21st Century
This course is designed to introduce foundational economics of the energy sector and the emerging technologies and business models that are most promising in the longer term. Energy is a necessity to all life-forms and ecosystems. Access to affordable and readily available energy has been a cornerstone of economic growth in all highly developed economies. In emerging economies, securing a reliable energy supply is one of the keys to future economic and social progress, to build a better quality of life. Globally, most of the energy consumed today comes from hydrocarbons—crude oil and natural gas. Transportation—whether by road, boat, air, or train—is almost completely fueled by products derived from crude oil. Fossil fuels remain indispensable for manufacturing the four key pillars of society: cement, steel, plastics, and ammonia.
Even with unprecedented improvements in energy efficiency seen in the last two decades, and projected to continue, global energy demand due to rising incomes and AI usage is expected to grow by nearly 40% by 2050. Meeting growing demand for energy in an environmentally responsible manner is thus a critical challenge facing business leaders in the 21st century.
Students who enroll in “The Business of Energy in the 21st Century” are often interested in careers as business executives, consultants, or entrepreneurs in the energy sector, or as financial experts in energy or infrastructure investment. Some simply have an interest in understanding what can realistically be done to address global emissions while maintaining economic growth.
The course will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00-3:20 pm. For graduate students the course is designated at MOR 599 and is 3 units, for undergraduate students the course is MOR 499 and is 4 units. Undergraduate students are also required to attend the energy leader speaker series on the following Wednesdays at 12:30 pm January 22, February 26, March 26, April 16, and April 30.