Subject to Change, Check frequently, Last Updated May 17, 2010
1. May 17th—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.
2. May 19th—Setting the stage geopolitically…What the U.S. thinks about Energy. The first driver: Pricing. Assigned Reading: Baer, Chapters 1-7. Read the American Power Act. Assignment Due: Select two countries for term project, be prepared to discuss why you want to evaluate them further.
3. May 24th—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: Was/is the Iraq War an extension of U.S. Energy Policy? Assigned Reading: Baer, Chapters 8-Epilogue Gadomski, U.S. Energy Policy: http://www.smidirect.net/news/mps%201.pdf
There will be no class on May 24th, tentatively scheduled make-up class will be on June 18th.
4. June 2nd—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: Roberts, Part One, pages 1-140, Review: Copenhagen Consensus Papers. Formulate an opinion regarding Climate Change and be prepared to discuss in class.
5. June 4th—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: Roberts, Part Two and Three, pp143-341, Review the Bloomberg New Energy Finance Summit 2010 Results Book.
6. June 7th—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.
7. June 9th—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".
8. June 14th—Take Home Midterm-This test will be a take home exam that will go live on the NYU blackboard at 6:00 PM on June 14th and will be due at the start of class on June 16th with a soft copy mailed to me by 6:00PM on 16th. Even though you have two days to write the exam, the exam will be structured so that you can complete it within the 3 hours of “class” time. This essay exam will cover relevant topics discussed during class and the assigned readings.
9. June 16th—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. June 18th—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 chapters from Plug-in Hybrids, Uranium, Power Grab TBD; "Investment: Risk, Return and the Role of Policy."
11. June 21st—Going global? What challenges do other countries face? What solutions exist for transportation and power generation? First set of Class Presentations on Country Energy Policy. Assigned Reading: TBD
12. June 23rd—Last class, review, student presentations. Wrap-up!
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