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Renewable Power and Electricity Systems
  • Level Foundation
  • Duration 13 hours
  • Course by University of Colorado Boulder
  • Offered by

About

The energy revolution in underway. Renewable energy is growing at an astounding pace - notably in electricity. Wind turbines and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems account for most new power plants built worldwide, and are essential to building a low-carbon and sustainable energy future. As a result, there are countless new opportunities in renewable electricity. This course provides a solid grounding in the basics of renewable electricity. We'll start with how electricity is measured, how electricity systems operate, and how renewable technologies like wind turbines and solar PV work. We'll then cover technical and market fundamentals: how and why renewables are driving change in electricity systems worldwide, how electricity systems are changing to accommodate all these new renewables, and what that all means for those seeking to understand and participate in the global transformation of electricity systems. This global transformation is just beginning; with knowledge gained from this course you'll be ready to jump on board. Course logo image credit: "Wind Turbine" icon courtesy of Vectors Point from the Noun Project.

Modules

Course Introduction

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • Introduce Yourself!

2 Videos

  • Course Introduction and Overview
  • Course Intro II

1 Readings

  • REN21, "Renewables 2020 Global Status Report"

Renewable Power Basics

    • 10 Videos
    • 5 Readings
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10 Videos

  • What's a kWh?
  • What's a kW?
  • What is Capacity Factor?
  • Ancillary Services
  • Wind Power I
  • Wind Power II
  • Wind Power III
  • Photovoltaics (PV) I
  • Photovoltaics (PV) II
  • Photovoltaics (PV) III

5 Readings

  • NEED, "Secondary Energy Infobook"
  • FERC, "Energy Primer"
  • NEED, "Secondary Energy Infobook"
  • WECC, "System Operations Training Manual"
  • NEED, "Secondary Energy Infobook"

Week 1 Assessment

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Introduction and Renewable Power Basics

Grid Operations

    • 5 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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5 Videos

  • Introduction to Grid Operations
  • Grid Ops: Electricity Demand
  • Grid Ops: Electricity Supply
  • Grid Ops: Renewable Electricity Challenges
  • Grid Ops: Case Study

1 Readings

  • WECC, "System Operations Training Manual"

Grid Integration

    • 5 Videos
    • 2 Readings
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5 Videos

  • Introduction to Grid Integration
  • Grid Integration: Case Studies I
  • Grid Integration: Roles for Fossil-Fired Power Plants
  • Grid Integration: Forecasting
  • Grid Integration: Case Studies II

2 Readings

  • IRENA, "Innovation Landscape for a Renewable-Powered Future"
  • REN21, "Renewables 2020 Global Status Report"

Week 2 Assessment

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Grid Operations and Grid Integration

Electricity Storage

    • 8 Videos
    • 2 Readings
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8 Videos

  • Introduction to Electricity Storage
  • Storage II
  • Storage III
  • Storage IV
  • Pumped Hydro
  • Batteries I
  • Batteries II
  • Interview: John Glassmire

2 Readings

  • FERC, "Energy Primer"
  • REN21, "Renewables 2020 Global Status Report"

Demand Flexibility

    • 6 Videos
    • 2 Readings
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6 Videos

  • Introduction to Demand Response
  • Hawaii Case Study I
  • Hawaii Case Study II
  • Smart Thermostat Example
  • Interview: Rachel Reiss Buckley
  • Interview: Brad Davids

2 Readings

  • FERC, "Energy Primer"
  • IRENA, "Innovation Landscape for a Renewable-Powered Future"

Week 3 Assessment

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Storage and Demand Flexibility

Power Industry Structure

    • 6 Videos
    • 4 Readings
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6 Videos

  • Introduction to Industry Structure
  • Industry Structure: Key Concepts
  • Case Study: Ghana
  • Case Study: UAE
  • Case Study: France
  • Case Study: Colorado, USA

4 Readings

  • UT Austin, "The History and Evolution of the US Electricity Industry"
  • FERC, "Energy Primer"
  • NEED, "Secondary Energy Infobook"
  • KAPSARC, "Abu Dhabi Electricity Sector: Features, Challenges, and Opportunities for Market Integration"

ISOs

    • 5 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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5 Videos

  • Independent System Operators (ISOs) I
  • Independent System Operators (ISOs) II
  • Independent System Operators (ISOs) III
  • Independent System Operators (ISOs) IV
  • Interview: Jonathan Miller

1 Readings

  • FERC, "Energy Primer"

Week 4 Assessment

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Power Structure Industry and ISOs

Course Summary and Review

    • 4 Videos
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4 Videos

  • Summary and Review I
  • Summary and Review II
  • Summary and Review III
  • Summary and Review IV

Final Exam

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Final Exam

Auto Summary

Embark on the energy revolution with "Renewable Power and Electricity Systems," a foundational course in Science & Engineering offered by Coursera. Led by industry experts, this comprehensive 780-minute course delves into the fundamentals of renewable electricity, including wind turbines and solar PV. Understand how electricity systems operate and adapt to new renewable technologies. Ideal for those eager to participate in the global transformation of electricity systems, with flexible Starter and Professional subscription options available. Join and power up your future in sustainable energy!

Paul Komor
Instructor

Paul Komor