New York University
School of Continuing and Professional Studies
M.S. Program in Global Affairs
GLOB1-GC.2400 -- Introduction to Energy Policy
Spring 2012, Monday, 12:30-3:10pm
DRAFT January 4, 2012
INSTRUCTOR: Chris Gadomski
http://www.smidirect.net/nyu
OFFICE HOURS: Mondays by appointment
OFFICE PHONE: 914.993.9060
Email: gadomski@nyu.edu
Course Calendar--Please check frequently as our schedule may change.
1. January 23--Part One--Introduction, discussion of semester project, class objectives and analysis of U.S. and global energy policies and issues as they relate to energy security and global climate change. Introduction to the STEEP (Social, Technical, Economic, Environmental, Political) analysis framework for energy technologies and the carbon issue. Understanding where the US is now and how we got here, U.S. policy review since WWII. Introduction to the Keystone XL pipeline project. What is US energy policy? Assigned Reading: Costa, Chapters 1-7.
2. January 30--Setting the stage geopolitically…What the U.S. thinks about Energy. The first driver: Pricing. Assigned Reading: Costa, Chapters 8-13. David MacKay, Sustainable Energy -- without the hot air, pp 1-112. Assignment Due: Select two countries for term project, be prepared to discuss why you want to evaluate them further.
3. February 6--The second driver: energy security. U.S. energy policy on the global stage and how it relates to the rest of the world.. Examining International Global Energy Use—Why It Matters. Discussion: Assess the pro and cons of the Keystone XL pipeline extension as part of US Energy Policy? Assigned Reading: Sustainable Energy -- without the hot air, pp 113-250.
4. February 13--The third driver: Climate Change, Global Warming and Carbon Dioxide. Is climate change fact or fiction? What does 550 ppm mean? How will public sentiment affect government policy? Will national energy policies make any difference? Why U.S. states are taking the lead on policy initiatives. Assigned Reading: Smil, pages 1-165, Review: Copenhagen Consensus Papers. Formulate an opinion regarding Climate Change and be prepared to discuss in class.
February 20--Presidents Day--No classes scheduled.
5. February 27--Beyond Oil—An Introduction to LNG and Renewables—a quick look ahead. Are we replacing foreign oil with ethanol and foreign natural gas? Is a big financial commitment to ethanol and LNG a good global investment? What happens when the LNG runs out? What role can renewable energy play? Where does renewable energy development stand in the world? Why Brazil is a global leader in renewable (ethanol) technology? What government policies have led to this? Who is the richest man in China? Assigned Reading for Class: German Energy Policy; Discussion of midterm. Please review the technical chapters at the end of Sustainable Energy.
6. March 5--LNG and Marcellus Shale as a short-term solution for US Energy Policy. What are the other natural gas options? How real are other gasification options like IGCC and pulverized clean coal technology? What is the role of government policy in promoting/supporting different technology options? Assigned Reading: Bryce, Part 1, pp 1-82.
March 12-March 16--Spring Break, No classes scheduled.
7. March 19--Midterm Date Tentative, (The mid-term will be a take home exam in-lieu of class on this day. I will post the exam on the blackboard on March 5, and it is to be handed-in to me in class on March 26 as well as submitted to me via Assignment on Blackboard no later than 12:30 on March 26.)
8. March 26--Renewable Energy—Fact or Fiction, exploring the Myths. The fourth driver...green jobs? What is a "no regrets energy policy?" Assigned Reading: Bryce, Part 2, pp 83-206; Pollin et al., "Green Recovery to Create Good Jobs"; Grossman, "The History of US Alternative Energy Development".
9. April 2--An in depth discussion on the pros and cons of natural gas and nuclear power based on Bryce book. Is he for real? Are his arguments valid? Let’s take a first look at the private development/public sector development debate. A look at Russia and Eastern Europe, Iran and the Middle East. How can energy resources influence regional/global politics? How can national energy policies insulate countries? What are the better/smarter alternatives to energy dependence? How real is energy independence? Research the issue of natural gas as a policy weapon for Russia and Iran. What solutions exist for European countries, what solutions exist for countries affected by Iran? Assigned Reading: Bryce, Part 3, pp 207-284.
10. April 9--The Transportation Sector—The American love affair with the car. Can we do better? What energy policy inititatives exist that are lessons for China and India? Or do other countries have lessons for the US? What does the American Power Act say about CAFÉ standards. Assigned Reading: Bryce, Part 4, pp 285-302; selected technical chapters on cars from MacKay's Sustainable Energy.
11. April 16--Let's talk about carbon finance. What challenges do other countries face? What solutions exist for transportation and power generation? Reading assignment: 10 Years of Experience in Carbon Finance, 2010.
12. April 23--First set of Class Presentations on Country Energy Policy. Assigned Reading: TBD
13. April 30--Second set of Class Presentations on Country Energy Policy. Assigned Reading: TBD
14. May 7--Last class, review and feedback on presentations. Debate on the future of renewables, nuclear and fossil fuels. Wrap-up!