The course provides the students from both technology and social science a chance to learn and consider the basic concepts of sustainability, and scientific effort on energy technology toward it. From the aspect of sustainable development, energy systems are considered to minimize carbon dioxide emission and to support and drive recycling society rather than large scale consumption of resources. From a simple sustainability model, supply chain of such a society is discussed.
Low carbon society and energy technology has a very close relationship. Electricity system based on Nuclear, hydro, solar, wind and other renewables are introduced, and analysis for both developed countries and developing countries will be presented. Particular emphasis is on Fusion energy development, that is a typical Science of global challenges.
Risks and Safety of energy technology is a major subject to consider sustainable society and energy system. Analysis of nuclear energy and its environmental impact will be explained, and compared with other energy sources.
Social impact of the technology development will be analyzed and presented in the aspect of economical effect on the market as well as side effects to the society. As a whole, students are invited to consider the preferable energy systems for future and their local environment and society, as well as global, and worlds collaboration to solve this problem.
Language: English
Duration: 6-8 academic hours
Tutor of the course:
Prof. Satoshi Konishi (Institute of Sustainability Science, Kyoto University, Japan)