Module Code and Title:       ENM101 Energy Resources Management

Programme:                          BSc in Environmental Management

Credit:                                   12

Module Tutor:                       Tshewang Dorji (Coordinator), Bikram Sharma

General objective: This module will provide students an understanding of the importance of energy resources, both non-renewable and renewable. It will also expose students to the various methods and trends regarding energy utilization especially in the case of non-renewable energy resources, an overview of their management, conservation and alternatives that exist. 

Learning outcomes – On completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. Identify the various kinds of energy resources.
2. Describe the global and local trends in energy extraction and usage.
3. Explain the methods of energy conservation.
4. Identify alternative renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydrogen power and hydropower for non-renewable energy.
5. Appraise the pros and cons of using fossil fuels. 
6. Discuss the challenges and prospects of energy production from nuclear reactors.
7. Evaluate Bhutan’s hydropower potential and challenges.
8. Assess Bhutan’s potential to harness renewable energy resources such as solar and wind.
9. Explain the current trend of electrical and thermal energy consumption in Bhutan.  

Learning and Teaching Approach:

Assessment Approach: 

Students will individually undertake one written assignment (500-750 words) and a presentation (7 min) based on the assigned topic from these broad range of themes including, but not limited to, recent global energy trends, global and regional fossil fuel consumption patterns, nuclear energy, and environmental impacts of fossil fuels and methods of energy conversion, conservation and efficiency.

Written assignment 10%

4%       Synthesis of the information (includes accuracy of information, quality analysis of the data, explanation of a key concept or process from the module and evidence-based-arguments supporting their assertion)

3%       Analytical thinking (includes authentic discussions on the best practices of energy conservation, propose alternatives options and remedial measures to reduce environmental impacts)

3%       Language and reference

Presentation 10% 

5%       Analysis of issues (accurate data, proper illustration of the key findings substantiated with well-support arguments and realistic examples)

3%       Delivery of the content (clarity of words and organization of ideas)

2%       Visual aids and body language

2. Class Test: 10%

Students will undertake two class tests during the semester; once before mid-term and once after mid-term (5% each). The written tests will be conducted within the class for a duration of 40-50 min and cover 5-6 weeks of material.  

Discussion 1; before mid-term (5%): energy production from nuclear reactors contemporary issues, benefits and challenges

Discussion 2; after mid-term (5%): Bhutan’s hydropower potentials, challenges and issues in the context of climate change 

The VLE forum discussions will be hosted over one day each, spread out over the semester. Students will be given readings on issues related to the upcoming discussion topic to be read, then reflected upon/discussed together in the VLE forum. Each student will have to participate with appropriate discussion points in the VLE forums in line to the flow of discussions therein. Students may make multiple posts as appropriate totalling to 450-600 words for each discussion. The contributions will be cumulatively assessed once a particular discussion concludes. 5% of the VLE discussion will be assessed before midterm, and the remaining 5% post midterm.

3%       Quality of analysis (originality, thoughtfulness of reflection, use of relevant and adequate support for all claims made, ties analysis to relevant module concepts)

2%       Articulation, accuracy, and completeness

Students will take a written exam of 1.5-hr duration covering topics up to the mid-point of the semester. The exam will comprise structured questions like MCQ, fill-in-the-blanks, matching, definition, as well as open-ended essay questions.

Students will take a written exam of 2.5-hr duration encompassing all the subject matter covered in the semester. This assessment is comprehensive and summative in nature, and will comprise structured questions like MCQ, fill-in-the-blanks, matching, definition, as well as open-ended essay questions.

Overview of assessment approaches and weighting

Pre-requisites: ENV101 Introduction to the Environment

Subject matter:

1. Unit I:    Introduction to energy sources and uses
   1. Definition and types of energy
   2. Brief history of energy use
   3. Energy conversions
   4. Primary and secondary sources of energy
   5. Energy flow and energy efficiency; matching sources to uses
2. Unit II    Fossil fuels
   1. Origin and formation of fossil fuels
      1. The three kings: coal, oil, natural gas
      2. Others: oil shale, oil sand, etc.
   2. Extraction and processing of fossil fuels
      1.    Coal (surface and subsurface mining, different types of coal)
      2.    Crude oil (extraction, refining)
      3.    Natural gas
   3. Use, pros and cons, and impacts of fossil fuels
      1. General environmental effects of using non-renewable resources
      2. Coal (mining, transporting and converting, burning)
      3. Oil (recovery: land and marine, refining, delivery and use)
      4. Natural gas
      5. Others: oil shale, oil sand, etc.
3. Unit Ill:  Nuclear energy
   1.    Nuclear power in perspective, use for electricity generation
   2.    Hazards of nuclear power, safety
   3.    Waste disposal, nuclear fuel cycle
   4.    Pros and cons of nuclear power
   5.    Status and future of nuclear power
4. Unit lV:   Renewable energy resources
   1. Origin of all energy from the Sun
   2. Types of solar energy and uses
      1. Passive solar systems and active solar systems 
      2. Solar-generated electricity 
      3. Photovoltaics
      4.       Wind power

     4.3.1   Wind turbines in Bhutan (key challenges)

4.4        Hydropower

     4.4.1   Basic working principles of hydro power plant

     4.4.2 Three types of hydropower facilities: impoundment, diversion, and pumped storage 

     4.4.3 Advantages (dams for flood control, agriculture irrigation and recreational activities)

4.5       Tidal and wave power 

     4.5.1    Tidal barrage and hydroelectric turbines 

     4.5.2    Wave energy converters 

4.6       Geothermal energy 

     4.6.1   Technology for geothermal energy

4.7      Biomass energy: Biofuels and biogas

4.7.1     Vegetable oils

      4.8.2     Biodiesel

4.8     Hydrogen power

1.    Solar-hydrogen 
2.    Hydrogen fuel cells 
3.    Advantages and disadvantages of fuel cells

4.9      Environmental impacts of solar, wind and hydropower in Bhutan.

1. Unit V:     Energy efficiency and conservation
   1.      Concept of energy efficiency, laws of thermodynamics, net energy
   2.      Efficiency of various energy sources and conversion processes
   3.      Energy waste; major sources of energy waste; reducing energy waste
   4.      Methods of energy conservation and efficiency
      1. Adjust your day-to-day behaviours (turning off lights or appliances when not in use or drive less, walk more and carpooling) 
      2. Use energy efficient electrical appliances (LED bulbs, smart thermostats, hybrid car or electric car) 
      3. Insulation and ventilation in buildings
      4. Cogeneration (combined heat and power, CHP)
   5.     Conservation and efficiency; benefits and challenges thereof
2. Unit VI:    Global energy trends
   1.      World total primary energy supply and use
      1. World status of coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear, hydro and other minor sources
      2. Concept of peak oil, permanent depletion of fossil fuels
      3. Global electricity generation
   2.    Energy trends in Bhutan
      1. Total energy consumption
      2. Electrical energy
         1. Electricity consumption per-capita in rural and urban 
         2. Electrical energy consumption in industry, agriculture and buildings
      3. Thermal energy (Coal, petrol, diesel, kerosene, firewood, LPG) 
         1. Thermal energy consumption per-capita in rural and urban 
         2. Thermal energy consumption in industry, transport, agriculture and buildings 

                       6.2.4     Economics of energy use in Bhutan

Reading List:

Essential Readings:

Casper, J. (2007). Energy: Powering the past, present, and future. New York, Chelsea House Publishing

Ernst & Young Pvt Ltd. (2012). Bhutan energy efficiency baseline study. Thimphu, Bhutan: Department of Renewable Energy (DRE).

Ngô, C. & Natowitz, J. (2009). Our energy future: Resources, alternatives, and the environment.  Torondo, Canada: John Wiley & Sons.

Reisser, W., & Reisser, C. (2018). Energy resources: From science to society. London, England: Oxford University Press. 

Miller, G.T., & Spoolman, S.E. (2018). Environmental science (16^th ed.). New Delhi, India: Cengage Learning.

Additional Readings:

Botkin, D.B. (2014). Environmental science, earth as a living planet (9^th ed.). United State of America: John Wiley and Sons Inc.,

Cunningham, W.P., & Cunningham, M.A. (2014). Environmental science: A global concern (13^th ed.). New York, NY:  McGraw Hill. 

Enger, E.D., & Smith, B.F. (2016). Environmental science (14th ed). New York, NY:  McGraw-Hill. 

International Energy Agency. (2020). Key world energy statistics. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/reports/key-world-energy-statistics-2020 

National Environment Commission. (2016). Bhutan state of the environment report 2016. Thimphu, Bhutan. 

Wright, R.T., & Boorse, D.F. (2017). Environmental science (13^th ed.). New Delhi: PHI Learning Pvt Ltd. 

Date: June 2021