Energy Economics & Sustainability Course | IIT Roorkee Prof. Pratham Arora
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 1029 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Multidisciplinary, Energy, Climate and Sustainability, Energy and Environment |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 16 Feb 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 27 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 24 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Navigating the Future: A Masterclass in Energy, Economics, and Sustainability
In an era defined by climate change and energy transitions, understanding the intricate balance between resources, economics, and environmental stewardship is paramount. The course Energy Resources, Economics, and Sustainability, offered by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), provides a critical roadmap for students and professionals aiming to lead in this space. Guided by Prof. Pratham Arora, an expert with cutting-edge research and industry experience, this 8-week program is designed to equip you with the technical and analytical tools needed for sustainable decision-making.
Why This Course is Essential for Tomorrow's Leaders
The global energy landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. This course moves beyond theory to offer a technical and quantitative approach, using accessible algebra to dissect real-world problems. It is tailored for undergraduate/postgraduate students and professionals seeking to:
- Comprehend the global and Indian energy demand-supply dynamics.
- Analyze the economic viability of energy projects, especially renewables.
- Understand and quantify the environmental impacts of energy systems using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
- Decode international climate agreements and the path to net-zero emissions.
- Debunk prevalent myths surrounding energy production and climate change.
Learn from an Expert: Instructor Profile
The course is led by Prof. Pratham Arora, Assistant Professor in the Department of Hydro and Renewable Energy at IIT Roorkee. His distinguished background includes:
- Research Focus: Comparative life cycle assessment, process optimization, and techno-enviro-economic analysis of energy systems.
- Post-doctoral Fellowship: At Georgia Tech, Atlanta, in the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department.
- Doctorate: From the renowned IITB-Monash Research Academy.
- Industry Collaboration: Direct experience working with innovative firms like Algenol biofuels, Lanzatech, and Global Thermostat, bridging academic research with industrial application.
Detailed 8-Week Course Curriculum
The meticulously structured curriculum ensures a comprehensive learning journey, from foundational concepts to advanced analytical techniques.
| Week | Core Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | World & India's energy scenario, fossil fuel reserves, energy Sankey diagrams. |
| Week 2 | Energy-development linkage, energy prices, politics, and net energy analysis. |
| Week 3 | Fundamental economics, investment appraisal methods (NPV, IRR, Payback Period). |
| Week 4 | Financial analysis of RE projects, govt. incentives, case studies (Wind, Green H2, EVs). |
| Week 5 | Environmental effects of energy use, acid rain, ozone depletion, climate change uniqueness. |
| Week 6 | Kyoto, Paris, Kigali agreements; myths on climate change; energy-water nexus. |
| Week 7 | Introduction to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): framework, methods, and standards. |
| Week 8 | Advanced LCA: impact categories, data interpretation, case studies on energy systems. |
Key Learning Outcomes and Industry Relevance
Upon completion, participants will gain proficiency in creating energy Sankey diagrams, conducting financial appraisals for energy projects, and performing foundational Life Cycle Assessments. The course is directly relevant for industries formulating net-zero or Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets. It provides the foundational knowledge required for roles in energy consulting, sustainability management, corporate ESG strategy, renewable energy project development, and policy analysis.
Essential Reading Materials
The course draws upon authoritative texts to deepen understanding:
- Energy, the Environment, and Sustainability by Efstathios E. Michaelides
- The Age of Sustainable Development by Jeffrey D. Sachs
- Life Cycle Assessment Handbook: A Guide for Environmentally Sustainable Products by Mary Ann Curran
- Energy Economics by Subhes C. Bhattacharyya
This course is more than an academic module; it's an investment in the skills needed to drive the sustainable energy transition. Whether you aim to influence policy, innovate in the industry, or lead research, Energy Resources, Economics, and Sustainability offers the critical toolkit to turn complex challenges into actionable solutions. Enroll to shape a sustainable energy future.
Enroll Now →