Energy Infrastructure Planning for Sustainable Cities

Rapid urbanization and climate change require a fundamental shift in how we power our cities. Understanding the intersection of technology, policy, and infrastructure is essential for building the resilient communities of tomorrow. This text-only course guides you through the core concepts of urban energy planning, helping you evaluate modern technology challenges and design sustainable infrastructure solutions. You will transition from understanding basic energy definitions to evaluating complex decentralized grids and smart city technologies. What you'll learn: Understand foundational energy concepts, power generation basics, and urban consumption patterns; Analyze the integration of renewable energy sources and decentralized power grids into existing urban systems; Evaluate technological challenges in energy storage, transmission, and smart grid distribution; Assess the role of policy, regulatory frameworks, and public-private partnerships in infrastructure development; Formulate planning strategies for climate resilience and sustainable urban decarbonization. The course begins with essential terminology and historical energy models before moving into modern technological disruptions and policy analysis. Through structured readings and conceptual exercises, you will explore real-world planning scenarios and evaluate infrastructure viability. Designed for beginners interested in urban planning, sustainability, or public policy, with no prior engineering or technical background required. Start learning how to shape the future of clean urban energy systems today.