ECON42270 Energy Economics and Policy

Academic Year 2023/2024

The energy sector plays a crucial role in the global economy; it is also undergoing significant change as it transitions from a fossil fuel-based system to one with a rising share of renewable energy and the sector decarbonises.
Energy economics involves the use of economic theory to understand and solve the challenges facing energy markets. This module explores the theoretical and empirical perspectives of the economics of energy demand, energy supply, energy markets, policy instruments affecting energy, and carbon markets. It applies economic analysis to energy policy and covers subjects such as energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, the design of policy instruments, smart grids, electricity market structures and externalities associated with energy generation and use.
The course is hands-on and interactive and encourages students to explore topics in energy economics in more detail through readings, research, group work, and participation in class.

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the key issues in energy economics and policy.
- Understand and be able to apply key economic methodologies to analyse energy policies and issues.
- Recognise key challenges from energy markets, energy systems and technologies.
- Understand results from academic papers, reports and wide variety of literature on energy and use them in the analysis of empirical energy economic and policy problems.
- Identify the types of data and analysis needed to analyse challenges presented in the energy agenda.
- Write papers and reports to a high standard and quality on the current and future issues relating to global energy policy.

Indicative Module Content:

1. Introduction to energy economics
2. Economics of energy demand
3. Economics of energy supply
4. Electricity markets
5. International energy and climate change policy

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

30
Specified Learning Activities

3
Autonomous Student Learning

130
Total

163
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The teaching of each topic follows a common approach: it begins with an overview of the issue, presents the economic theory, shows the empirical application and discusses policy options. Readings are set for each class for discussion and emphasis given to the application of economic theory to real-world energy applications. Students have the opportunity to develop their knowledge of the material through the use of interactive activities such as class exercises, a research paper, and the preparation of a group presentation and report. Finally, the course includes guest lectures from senior industry, policymakers and stakeholders, who bring their expertise in the energy policy and energy research arena in Ireland. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
ECON42360 - Energy Economics and Policy


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Mid-term online exam Week 6 Yes Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

20
Group Project: A project will be assigned in groups of 4/5. It will require analysis of energy policy relating to a country or region. More details given in class. Throughout the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

35
Examination: Final online exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam Yes Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

40
Assignment: Individual essay Week 8 n/a Graded No

5

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback is given to students on their group presentation and report and individually on their presentation and their term paper. Students also peer review each other's presentations.

Name Role
Glenn McNamara Tutor
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 14:00 - 16:50