Electricity generation is the cornerstone for the rapidly expanding digital economy, and the global transition to “green energy”, which is driven by attempts to reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and the use of non-renewable resources. The course will examine the definition, location, and importance of green energy sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, tidal, and nuclear. The geological characteristics of these energy sources will be considered, along with the use of resources, such as critical materials, and other issues associated with the generation, storage, and distribution of the energy produced, and the importance of recycling, waste disposal, and the circular economy. Local, national, and global examples will be provided in order to emphasize that an understanding of geoscience is important to the success of green energy initiatives. The course format will consist of lectures combined with student-led discussion of selected articles, texts, and relevant national and global news and policy announcements. Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 2 Tutorial hoursPrerequisite(s): One of GEOL 108.3 GEOL 109.3, GEOL 121.3, GEOL 122.3, GEOG 120.3 or GEOG 125.3; and 60 credit units university level courses; and permission of the instructor. Permission will be granted based on grades in the listed courses and overall CWA. Note: Students with credit for GEOL 498.3 Geoscience of Green Energy and the Digital Economy may not take this course for credit.
Electricity generation is the cornerstone for the rapidly expanding digital economy, and the global transition to “green energy”, which is driven by attempts to reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and the use of non-renewable resources. The course will examine the definition, location, and importance of green energy sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, tidal, and nuclear. The geological characteristics of these energy sources will be considered, along with the use of resources, such as critical materials, and other issues associated with the generation, storage, and distribution of the energy produced, and the importance of recycling, waste disposal, and the circular economy. Local, national, and global examples will be provided in order to emphasize that an understanding of geoscience is important to the success of green energy initiatives. The course format will consist of lectures combined with student-led discussion of selected articles, texts, and relevant national and global news and policy announcements. Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 2 Tutorial hoursPrerequisite(s): One of GEOL 108.3 GEOL 109.3, GEOL 121.3, GEOL 122.3, GEOG 120.3 or GEOG 125.3; and 60 credit units university level courses; and permission of the instructor. Permission will be granted based on grades in the listed courses and overall CWA. Note: Students with credit for GEOL 498.3 Geoscience of Green Energy and the Digital Economy may not take this course for credit.
