Environmental Impacts of Energy Systems
The energy solutions of the future are a topical subject that is discussed daily in the media. Future energy systems must have low emissions, especially of greenhouse gases, but without threatening biological diversity by demanding large areas of land. In addition, they should be both stable and flexible, so that energy is always available when we need it. The old energy solutions based on fossil fuels present major environmental problems and the transition to a new, more sustainable energy system presents challenges that it is important to be aware of. During the course, we go through old and new environmental problems from an energy perspective and link them to both Swedish environmental goals and global goals. We believe that equipped with knowledge of the details and the underlying causes, you will be able to propose good solutions as qualified civil engineers.
Lectures are interspersed with debate, statistical exercises and a longer report where you independently develop a sustainable energy solution for an entire country and calculate and discuss what environmental improvements it will result in.
Course evaluation
Additional course evaluations for KE0069
Academic year 2023/2024
Environmental Impacts of Energy Systems (KE0069-10420)
2023-08-28 - 2023-10-30
Academic year 2022/2023
Environmental Impacts of Energy Systems (KE0069-10092)
2022-08-29 - 2022-10-31
Academic year 2021/2022
Environmental Impacts of Energy Systems (KE0069-10174)
2021-08-30 - 2021-11-01
Academic year 2020/2021
Environmental Impacts of Energy Systems (KE0069-10255)
2020-08-31 - 2020-11-01
Academic year 2019/2020
Environmental Impacts of Energy Systems (KE0069-10200)
2019-09-02 - 2019-10-31
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
KE0069 Environmental Impacts of Energy Systems, 5.0 Credits
Energisystemens miljöpåverkanSubjects
Chemistry ChemistryEducation cycle
Bachelor’s levelModules
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Exam | 2.0 | 0202 |
| Report | 3.0 | 0203 |
Advanced study in the main field
First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirementsBachelor’s level (G1F)
Grading scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Language
SwedishPrior knowledge
Knowledge equivalent to 10 credits chemistry, 5 credits biology, 10 credits in technology and 5 credits in statistics.Objectives
The aim of the course is to give the student basic knowledge of the environmental impact of different types of energy systems. This knowledge forms the basis for subsequent courses on the assessment of environmental impacts and sustainable energy systems. The impact includes environmental effects from the production, operation and dismantling of energy plants, as well as environmental impacts from extraction, use and residual products of various types of fuel.
On completion of the course, the student should be able to
describe the environmental impact of different energy systems, as well as describe the meteorological, chemical and / or biological causes of these environmental effects,
explain how to measure and assess environmental effects in nature with both chemical and biological parameters,
evaluate the environmental impact different energy systems can exert both locally and globally,
on a scientific basis, evaluate different energy systems from an environmental perspective and propose measures to improve current energy systems so that environmental impact is reduced by individually writing and presenting an action plan
Content
Subdivided into energy types, the course brings up environmental impacts linked to fossil fuels, biofuels, nuclear power, hydropower, wind power, solar power and wave power, and connects them to the mechanisms that cause environmental impact. The types of environmental impacts being treated are reduced biodiversity, climate change, eutrophication, acidification, particulate emissions, noise and emissions of toxic substances such as persistent organic compounds, heavy metals and radioactive substances, and how these affect different species and other parts of the ecosystems. For selected environmental effects, trends in environmental impact linked to changing energy use are investigated using chemical and biological data from SLU’s environmental monitoring databases, in the form of calculation exercises. Debates and role-plays are used as tools to gain experience of the kind of values that are often addressed in environmental issues in society. This part of the course is examined by an exam.
In an individual project work, the student analyses energy system solutions from an environmental perspective and evaluates measures to improve these to reduce environmental impact and to better connect to environmental and climate goals. The work is presented in writing and orally and discussed at a round table discussion.
Grading form
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.Formats and requirements for examination
Passed mandatory parts (G / U)
Passed written exam (5/4/3 / U)
Passed project including: written (5/4 / 3 / U) and oral presentation (G / U), active participation in group discussion (G / U)
If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Other information
The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Additional information
The prerequisite in statistics is fulfilled through the course Sannolikhet och statistik, course code 1MS005Responsible department
Department of Aquatic Science and Assessment
Further information
Litterature list
Drakare et a. (2022) Energi och miljö - energisystemens miljöpåverkan. Kurskompendium version 1.0. SLU, Vatten och miljö. Rapport 2022:9. https://pub.epsilon.slu.se/28635/1/drakare-s-et-al-20220829.pdf
Taro Lennerfors (2019) Etik för ingenjörer. Studentlitteratur. ISBN 978-91-44-12769-9. Upplaga 1:1. 259 sidor.