19-625   Sustainable Energy for the Developing World

Location: Pittsburgh

Units: 12

Semester Offered: Spring

Course description

This course examines the current state of the energy system in developing countries and the challenges these countries will face in sustainably meeting their energy needs in the 21st century. The following are examples of questions and issues we will cover throughout the semester. What is the current status of the energy system in the developing world? What is the role of energy in supporting economic growth and alleviating poverty? What are the future energy needs of developing countries? What are the challenges developing countries will face as they build/improve their energy systems? What technologies are available to meet the energy challenges in the developing world?

View the course syllabus for more information.

Learning objectives

Through readings, class discussions, and a final project, students will be expected to achieve the following learning outcomes:

  • Describe the role of energy in supporting economic growth and poverty alleviation.
  • Describe and discuss the technical, economic, and social challenges behind the deployment of energy systems in developing communities.
  • Apply quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate the energy needs in the developing world and compare energy alternatives for the developing world.
  • Articulate the characteristics that define energy sustainability.

Content details

This course examines the current state of the energy system in developing countries and the challenges these countries will face in sustainably meeting their energy needs in the 21st century. The following are examples of questions and issues we will cover throughout the semester:

  • What is the current status of the energy system in the developing world?
  • What is the role of energy in supporting economic growth and alleviating poverty?
  • What are the future energy needs of developing countries?
  • What are the challenges developing countries will face as they build/improve their energy systems?
  • What technologies are available to meet the energy challenges in the developing world?

Prerequisites

None

Faculty

Paulina Jaramillo