Sustainable Energy: Comparing the Alternatives

• Berkeley Extension class EDP 314302
• 10 classes
• Summer 2008

Class Description

In today’s world, there is an emerging push towards the discovery of alternative and renewable energy sources. The course reviews the technical characteristics of the world’s main energy systems, going into detail as to how each system is organized and operated. It reviews the depletion of the traditional sources, oil and gas, and examines potential alternatives that can replace them, such as biofuels, wind, solar, nuclear, hydropower, and other alternative and renewable energy sources. Examination of the effects of fossil fuels on the carbon dioxide (CO2) balance and global warming is included, as are the methods proposed to mitigate the destructive effects. Course topics include traditional sources such as oil and gas; alternative and renewable sources such as biofuels, wind, solar, nuclear, and hydropower energy sources; economic sustainability measures; and transport and distribution of these energy sources. 

Students gain a broad understanding of the underlying issues of energy technology, demographics, economics, and policy approaches. Students learn how to carry out a multi-attribute analysis project for how to provide humanity with an advanced quality of life without damaging the environment or future generations. 

Instructor

BRUCE LUSIGNAN, Ph.D., a Stanford University associate professor emeritus, taught communications engineering, space systems engineering, and policy courses on war and peace, trade and environment, poverty and prejudice at Stanford for 40 years. The last two years he has taught wireless communications, sustainable energy and policy courses at Portland State University before returning to the Bay Area. He maintains contact with former students in nations around the world to give him a global perspective.

• [professor last name]@eemail.stanford.edu
• four-one-five 383-3371
• Website

Textbook 

Sustainable Energy: Choosing Among Options 

Project Papers and Presentations

• Select a nation or community and prepare an economic energy recommendation for future implementation
• Choose one type of energy system and write a paper describing its technical characteristics, environment effect, world availability and cost.
• Also prepare a 15 minute PowerPoint presentation on each topic