Energy Resources, Economics, and Sustainability Fundamentals

Modern society relies on a complex web of energy systems, but transitioning to a sustainable future requires more than just engineering—it demands a deep understanding of economic incentives, resource limits, and environmental impacts. This course provides a clear, conceptual framework to analyze how energy resources are valued, distributed, and managed in the real world. You will progress from foundational terminology to evaluating the viability of renewable energy projects and modern decarbonization policies. What you'll learn: Understand key concepts of energy density, resource classification, and thermodynamic limits; Analyze energy markets using microeconomic principles, levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), and externality pricing; Evaluate the sustainability of renewable and non-renewable resources using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) frameworks; Examine modern decarbonization pathways, including carbon pricing, energy storage economics, and smart grid integration; Assess global energy policies, transition pathways, and the challenges of balancing energy security with climate goals. The course begins with core definitions of energy and thermodynamic principles before exploring economic evaluation methods and real-world sustainability metrics. This text-based program is designed for beginners, requiring no prior background in economics or engineering. Start building your foundation in energy economics and sustainable resource planning today.