H02 – Energy Policy and Economics
This course examines how governments design economic mechanisms to steer energy markets toward low-carbon outcomes, using UK renewable energy policy from 1990 to 2009 as the core case study. Drawing on peer-reviewed research and UK Government policy documents, it connects mechanism design, policy history, and marine renewable energy economics to a final evidence-based policy critique.
£299.00
1 hour 30 minutes
Focused, self-paced learning designed to fit around professional schedules.
Online, self-paced
Study online at a pace that fits your schedule.
8 sections
Structured curriculum sections.
English
Language of instruction for this course.
Quiz count: 5 total
Knowledge checks and assessed activities.
27 lessons
Focused lessons organised into a clear learning path.
Course overview
This course examines how governments design economic mechanisms to steer energy markets toward low-carbon outcomes, using UK renewable energy policy from 1990 to 2009 as the core case study. Drawing on peer-reviewed research and UK Government policy documents, it connects mechanism design, policy history, and marine renewable energy economics to a final evidence-based policy critique.
What you will learn
Explain how price, volume, and balancing risk shape the effectiveness of renewable energy support mechanisms.
Compare the UK Renewables Obligation with feed-in support using evidence from the UK and Germany.
Trace the evolution of UK renewable energy policy from the NFFO through the RO to the 2009 strategy reforms.
Analyse UK energy White Papers as policy artefacts by identifying goals, instruments, and gaps between them.
Construct and defend an evidence-based critique of UK renewable energy policy evolution in a concise written argument.
Skills and knowledge
Energy economics
Renewable policy
UK energy policy
Support mechanisms
Feed-in tariffs
Renewables Obligation
Marine renewables
Course curriculum
Introduction
1.1 Welcome
Energy Economics Fundamentals
2.1 Why Support Mechanisms Matter
2.2 Three Kinds of Risk
2.3 EEG and RO Compared
2.4 Section 1 Quiz (quiz)
Policy Evolution, 1990-2003
3.1 Policy Aims and Origins
3.2 How the NFFO Worked
3.3 Why the NFFO Under-Delivered
3.4 From NFFO to RO
3.5 Section 2 Quiz (quiz)
The 2003 Energy White Paper
4.1 Reading a White Paper
4.2 The Four Pillars
4.3 Recommitting to the RO
4.4 Institutions and Market Reform
4.5 Section 3 Quiz (quiz)
2009 Strategy and New Mechanisms
5.1 A Larger 2020 Target
5.2 Reforming the RO
5.3 FITs and the RHI
5.4 Answering Earlier Critiques
5.5 Section 4 Quiz (quiz)
Marine Renewable Economics
6.1 Why Marine Is Different
6.2 Wave, Tidal Stream, and Range
6.3 The Severn as a Test Case
6.4 Section 5 Quiz (quiz)
Applied Policy Critique
7.1 Building the Argument
7.2 Critique UK Policy Evolution
Summary
8.1 Key Takeaways
Ready to enrol?
£299.00