Sustainable energy sources: potential & limitations

What you'll learn

The students will learn the basics of understanding the potential and limitations of current renewable energy production and storage techniques with reference to the individual citizen's energy demand for his or her daily activities.
The aim is not to pick the winner among the various possibilities, but to present honest numerical data for each of the options and highlight the difficulties and/or potential of each solution. In addition, students will gain the knowledge and tools to arrive at their own independent opinion on which energy plan can ensure a balance between sustainable energy consumption and production.

Course Content

This module introduces the main renewable energy production technologies — solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass.
Rather than focusing on technical details, the course provides a quantitative and objective assessment of the energy that these sources could realistically produce in the coming years, comparing it with Italian energy consumption and that of selected reference countries.

The module will also estimate the land area required for each renewable energy source to make a significant contribution to current energy demand. This approach highlights both the potential and the limitations of renewable energy technologies. Finally, the role of key energy storage solutions (such as batteries and hydrogen) will be discussed, along with possible energy scenarios for achieving carbon neutrality.

The 12-hour module will be organized into 6 lectures of 2 hours each.

Lesson 1. Introduction to the concept of energy, description of different forms of energy and their "quality". Breakdown by energy sources of energy production at World, European and Italian levels. [3 hrs] Davide Chiesa

Lesson 2. Description of the main techniques of energy production from renewable sources. Quantify the energy produced by different renewable energy sources to meet our needs. Geothermal energy and heat pumps. [2 hrs] Davide Chiesa

Lesson 3. Hydropower and biomass energy. [1 hr] Davide Chiesa

Lesson 4. Solar and wind energy. [2 hr] Maurizio Acciarri

Lesson 5. Problem of intermittency of electricity production from inherently variable renewable sources. Analysis of possible complementary strategies to eliminate the difference between consumption and production. Hints at the role of the main energy storage techniques (batteries, hydrogen, etc). [2 hrs] Maurizio Acciarri

Lesson 6. Analysis of some energy scenarios to balance energy demand and energy production from variable renewable sources. [2 hrs] Maurizio Acciarri.

Prerequisites

Description

Learning Outcomes

The holder of this Badge has acquired the following SKILLS:
Through this module, students will also develop several transversal competencies relevant for academic and professional contexts:
Critical thinking and analytical skills, through the evaluation of quantitative data on energy production, consumption, and sustainability scenarios.
Evidence-based decision making, by interpreting scientific data and comparing different energy transition strategies.
Problem-solving skills, applied to complex sustainability challenges related to energy demand, land use, and technological limitations.
Systems thinking, understanding the interconnections between energy technologies, environmental impacts, economic constraints, and societal needs.
Information literacy, including the ability to interpret studies, surveys, and technical reports related to energy transition.
Communication skills, through the discussion and explanation of energy scenarios and sustainability challenges using clear and objective arguments.

And the following SOFT SKILLS:
Understanding of the difference between primary energy source and secondary energy source (energy carriers).
Understanding of the concept of "quality" of energy.
Knowledge of the main environmentally friendly energy production technologies.
Ability to analyze the potential and applicability of renewable energy sources for energy transition.
Ability to analyze different intervention strategies to meet energy demand with renewable sources.
Management and processing of information on energy transition studies, surveys and evaluations.

Learning process

The students will learn the basics of understanding the potential and limitations of current renewable energy production and storage techniques with reference to the individual citizen's energy demand for his or her daily activities. The aim is not to pick the winner among the various possibilities, but to present honest numerical data for each of the options and highlight the difficulties and/or potential of each solution. In addition, students will gain the knowledge and tools to arrive at their own independent opinion on which energy plan can ensure a balance between sustainable energy consumption and production.

Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

ECTS 1
Student level Bachelor/Master degree
University University of Milano-Bicocca
Department & Faculty Department of Materials Science. Faculty: Maurizio Acciarri and Davide Chiesa
Type Stackable
Mode of delivery Online delivery
Type of assessment Written Assignments, Essays, and Quizzes
Grading The assessment is based on a passed/failed grading scheme.
EFQ Level 6 – Bachelor’s degree level, Level 7 – Master’s degree level
Language English
Location Online
Academic period Year 2026-27
Studies Period 01/11/2026 - 31/07/2027
Workload 12