Energy Systems Analysis: Energy, Environment and Natural Resources
Energisystemanalys: energi, miljö och naturresurser

FMIN25, 7.5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2026/27
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED W
Date of Decision: 2026-02-09

General Information

Main field: Technology Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Elective for: BME4, C4, D4, E4, F4, I4-hem, N4-es, W4-es
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish

Aim

The course provides an understanding of the complex interconnections between energy and resource use, and large-scale environmental problems. Different qualitative strategies to attain sustainable energy systems are critically evaluated from different perspectives. The course departs from already acquired knowledge and relates it to the issue of sustainability of energy systems and resource use.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to describe the interconnections between energy and resource use on one hand, and some important environmental and societal problems on the other.
• Be able to describe different long-term strategies sustainable energy systems.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to present independent analyses in the scientific field of the course, in writing as well as orally.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• Show the ability to critically evaluate and compare different long-term strategies for a sustainable supply and use of energy.

Contents

The course departs from the concept of energy services, i.e. the benefits from using energy (e.g. “a warm house” and ”cooked food”), to present all the different parts of the energy system: extraction – conversion – distribution – final use. The course mainly uses a macro perspective.

Different environmental problems related to energy systems and the use of natural resources are discussed, e.g. climate change and land use.

Qualitative strategies for attaining sustainable energy systems are discussed from a critical perspective. This includes (1) Lower and more efficient use of energy; (2) Increased use of renewable energy and resources; (3) Advanced technologies for fossil fuel use; (4) Nuclear power.

Societal issues related to energy and resource issues are discussed, e.g. energy security and economics.

Methods and models for analysing energy system related issues from different perspectives are touched upon.

A number of assignments are conducted during the course which are presented/discussed orally and in writing.

During the course, references are made to national and international research in the relevant fields, and to the international political and economic debate.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment:

Approved assignments. A pass on the written exam. The final grade of the course follows from the result of the exam. Presence at seminars is mandatory.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0117. Name: Energy Systems Analysis: Energy, Environment and Natural Resources.
Credits: 7.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5).

Admission

Admission requirements:

• Minimum 120 ECTS credits.

Reading list

• Everett B., Peake S., Warren J: Energy Systems and Sustainability, Power for a Sustainable Future (third edition). Oxford University Press, 2021. Latest edition. Due to quick development in this field the literature may be changed; this will be communicated at least 8 weeks before start of the course.
• Scientific articles, reports and statistics.

Contact

Course coordinator: Joakim Haraldsson, joakim.haraldsson@miljo.lth.se
Course administrator: Petra Malmquist, petra.malmquist@miljo.lth.se