Examination arrangement

Course content

In an energy transition that is in line with the UN's sustainability goals, the development of offshore wind must be economically, ecologically and socially sustainable. Based on a selection of social science perspectives, this course focuses on the following aspects of the sustainable development of offshore wind:

1) The role of offshore wind in the European energy system

This part focuses on what role offshore wind plays in scenarios for the 1.5 and 2 degree limits, and what the potential for offshore wind in the North Sea is under different cost assumptions. In addition, the interaction between offshore wind and other technologies in the energy system is highlighted.

2) Controversies surrounding offshore wind

This part focuses on conflicts and controversies surrounding offshore wind and what such conflicts can mean for the development and implementation of offshore wind technology. In addition, participation processes and how to facilitate a fair and inclusive development of offshore wind are discussed.

3) Just sustainability transition

This part provides knowledge about the analytical framework Just Sustainable Transition (JST) which will be applied to Norwegian regions highly specialized in the oil and gas sector. In addition, this section focuses on Strategic Linking to Global Production Networks (GPN) and provides concepts for how regions can develop their resources and capabilities so that they can match the needs of GPM and their lead firms, using examples from the UK, Germany and Norway.

4) Profitable sustainability strategies

An introduction is given to how companies can develop profitable sustainability strategies. In addition, it is discussed how companies can handle and develop a balanced portfolio of innovation projects that focus both on the current situation and companies' ability to face the future.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

• The student understands the interaction between offshore wind and other technologies in the energy system
• The student acquires knowledge about controversies and participation and can apply relevant concepts to understand and discuss the development of offshore wind a part of socio-technical transition processes
• The student acquires knowledge of analytical frameworks for sustainability transition that are legitimate and feasible, and how regions can connect in global production networks
• The student masters the theoretical basis for profitable sustainability strategies and organization of innovation portfolios

Skills:

• The student can apply relevant concepts and theories to analyze and understand challenges related to the sustainable development of offshore wind
• The student can reflect critically on problems and challenges related to economic, ecological and social sustainability in offshore wind development
• The student can communicate knowledge in writing through argumentative texts

Learning methods and activities

1. Short lectures that introduce the topics

2. Group work with cases

3. Presentations of group work and plenary discussions

Further on evaluation

Home exam

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

HAV6000