EXERM 4312 - Electricity and the Environment
Course Description
Explore the material relationship between electricity generation and the natural environment. Learn about the role of carbon dioxide in relation to the greenhouse effect and the impacts of different electricity generation forms on emissions. Discuss topics such as albedo effect and energy reflection, climate change feedback loops, climate policy frameworks, Canada¿s performance relative to Paris targets, and future trajectories.
This course may be eligible for the Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG), with final approval determined by CAPG administrators. Employers and applicants can review the CAPG guidelines and full details on the University of Albertaโs Continuing Education website.
Who Should Take This Course?
Aimed at industry executives, environmental professionals, project managers, power producers and regulators, those working in government agencies, utility companies, and energy agencies, as well as developers and investors interested in expanding their career or business with renewable energy.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- ๐ธ Describe the relationship between CO2 and temperature through the greenhouse effect.
- ๐ธ Define the albedo effect and outline its role in energy reflection.
- ๐ธ Outline the environmental impacts associated with different electricity generation technologies.
- ๐ธ Describe different policy tools used for Greenhouse Gas mitigation (including price-based instruments, command and control regulations, and technology support policies).
- ๐ธ Describe the principal characteristics of all major forms of energy storage.
- ๐ธ Outline the strengths and challenges of battery, thermal, compressed hydro, and compressed air energy storage systems.
- ๐ธ Outline the energy storage potential of Alberta.
- ๐ธ Describe some of the limitations and challenges to utility-scale energy storage.
Notes
- ๐ธFully online asynchronous course.
- ๐ธThis course applies to the Renewable Energy Technologies Certificate Program and Renewable Energy Essentials Series.
- ๐ธCredentialed by the Foundational Technologies Institute (FTI), an independent organization, to meet standards of quality, practicality, and alignment to business needs. Assessment activities include readings, quizzes and assignments. Homework, readings, and quizzes should take an average of 4 to 6 hours each week.
- ๐ธ Assessment activities include: discussions, assignments, and quizzes.
Recommendations
Students intending to complete a program are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to lock in their course requirements.
Applies Towards the Following Programs
- Renewable Energy Essentials Certificate : Courses in the Certificate
- Renewable Energy Technologies Certificate : Core Courses
- Solar Energy Development and Design Certificate : Courses in the Certificate
- Wind Energy Development and Design Certificate : Courses in the Certificate