Flyer            Syllabus


Derek Elsworth, Energy and Mineral Engineering and Geosciences, EMS, PSU  


 

This course examines methods of energy recovery and conversion from conventional fossil fuels through renewables. Students investigate the political, economic, scientific and technological factors driving the recovery and utilization of energy using New Zealand as an archetypical example.

 

Resources on Energy and Society

        Energy in New Zealand (2018)

        Obama Science Editorial (2017)

 

Nature, Nov 30, 2017 - Outlook Energy Transitions (Behind Firewall)

        Energy Transitions

        Energize the People to Effect Policy Change

        How Social Scientists can Help to Shape Climate Policy

        The Next Step on the Energy Ladder

        Power Through the Ages

        Make Low Carbon Energy an Integral Part of the Knowledge Economy

        The Real Cost of Energy

        The Complex Web Behind the Siting of Power Plants

 

Following are some of the products from the students who participated in this class.......

 

Contemporary View of Energy and Society

        The New World of Oil

        Securing the Supply

        The Electric Age

        New Energies – The Road to the Future

 

Energy - Analysis of Energy Supply

        A US and Global Perspective on Coal

        A US and Global Perspective on Petroleum & Natural Gas

        A US and Global Perspective on Nuclear Energy

        A US and Global Perspective on Non-Depletable Energy Resources

 

Contextual Studies - Energy in New Zealand

        Travel Itinerary         Map

        Dispatches from the Field   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8  

 

Final Projects

        New Zealand versus Russia

        Geothermal Power in New Zealand

        New Zealand Geothermal Plants

        The Path to Renewable Energy in Pennsylvania

        [UN]Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

        Renewables in the US and New Zealand

        Nuclear Powering the US