Program Overview

Clean Energy Futures (NE6212)

Course Fact File

• Code: NE6212
• Duration: 15 weeks
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Fees: €1,000 (HCI Fees Subsidy available)
• Closing Date: 3 Jan 2025
• Venue: Blended delivery
• Credits: 5
• Start Date: 13 January 2025

Outline

This module is designed for STEM graduates who wish to upskill or reskill in sustainable energy. It covers innovations in the electricity sector, facilitating decarbonisation of the power generation sector, and alternative energy vectors such as green hydrogen and power-to-X.

Module Goal

• Study innovations in the electricity sector and its role in a net zero economy
• Teach students about real-world complex energy systems and how to model, understand, and represent such systems in PLEXOS

Module Content

• Energy and climate literacy
• Electricity system basics and markets
• Fuel and carbon costs
• Best practice in modelling energy futures
• Reliability and weather
• Transport and heat interactions
• EU and Irish climate and energy policy
• Power Systems Modelling for clean energy futures
• Unit Commitment and Dispatch Problems
• The role of hydrogen and storage systems
• Group Solving Problems
• Understanding risks
• Policy Formulations in Models
• Real World Applications and critical Interpretations of outcomes

Additional Teaching Mode Information

• 24 x 1Hr(s) Lectures
• 2 x 2Hr(s) Tutorials

Practicalities

• Total Marks: 100
• Written Examination: 60 marks
• Continuous Assessment: 40 marks
  • Quiz(zes): 2 quizzes on core materials (20 marks)
  • Assignment: build elements for a power systems model following specific briefing (20 marks)

Why Choose

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Describe the key concepts, drivers, opportunities, and risks associated with the role of electricity in clean energy futures
2. Design and build numerical models to assist decision making and understand real-world energy modelling challenges
3. Describe the interrelationships between energy system components, energy policy requirements, and energy sector dynamics
4. Demonstrate knowledge of complete working of clean energy systems
5. Demonstrate ability to critically evaluate outcomes, learning, and results from different energy futures
6. Design an energy system to address energy system challenges meet climate targets

Skills and Careers Information

• Learning Pathway: Students completing this Micro Credential gain 5 credits exemption from the PG Cert in Offshore Renewable Energy

Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A Second Class Honours Grade 2 (or equivalent) in a primary honours degree (NFQ Level 8) in any discipline of Engineering
• A Second Class Honours Grade 2 (or equivalent) in a primary honours degree (NFQ Level 8) in areas of science that required having completed level 8 mathematical subjects deemed equivalent to those of engineering
• A pass in any accredited level 8 Engineering degree followed by professional experience deemed of sufficient added value, pending assessment by the Programme Director

A quota will be allocated to applicants who do not meet these entry requirements. These applicants will be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning and assessed on the following factors:

• Academic achievement
• Prior Work Experience
• Letter of Reference
• Personal Statement

Fees and Costs

• The HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy has been introduced to enable more learners to address critical skills gaps and engage with lifelong learning
• The fee for this micro-credential is €1,000 but applicants who meet the subsidy requirements can attend this micro-credential for €200

How To Apply

• Start a new Micro-credentials application by selecting the options below and then select the programme/module you'd like to apply for