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MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development

global challenges, engineering solutions
 

Investigation of Electricity Supply Options

Rami Migally

Investigation of Electricity Supply Options

 

There are inhabited areas in the world that are not part of the electricity network and thus rely on generation from traditional fossil fuels or biomass for most of their energy needs. This is usually the case when the cost of being part of the network is deemed prohibitive. With a goal of more sustainable implementation, this work investigates the attributes of alternative electricity supply configurations and judges their performance against technical, financial, economic, social, environmental and regulatory criteria. It is determined that in some areas and under a particular set of circumstances, the status quo is not the preferred option and other alternatives do contribute more towards sustainable development goals and targets. The results are very case and context-specific, and implementation of alternate arrangements may face regulatory and institutional barriers.

 

Course Overview

Context

The need to engage in better problem definition through careful dialogue with all stakeholder groups and a proper recognition of context.

Perspectives

An ability to work with specialists from other disciplines and professional groups acknowledging that technical innovation and business skills also must be understood, nurtured and combined as precursors to the successful implementation of sustainable solutions.

Change

An understanding of mechanisms for managing change in organisations so future engineers are equipped to play a leadership role.

Tools

An awareness of a range of assessment frameworks, sustainability metrics and methodologies such as Life Cycle Analysis, Systems Dynamics, Multi-Criteria Decision making and Impact Assessment.