How to achieve the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy? A MOOC course

The University of Vaasa and 4 other universities have launched a MOOC (Massive Online Open Course) called Energy Transition and Sustainable Economies. The course is open to everyone, and it gives a versatile introduction to the objectives, prerequisites and challenges related to sustainable development, especially the transition from fossil fuels towards renewable energy. 

In addition, the course will offer useful knowledge on what the energy transition can look like in practice and the everyday work in the Vaasa region which is the Nordic hub for knowledge and corporate activities around new energy solutions. 

The University of Vaasa provides the course together with Hanken School of Economics, Novia University of Applied Science, VAMK University of Applied Sciences, and Åbo Akademi University. This is the first time the institutions have offered a joint MOOC. 

Participants from all around the world  

The MOOC is available for independent study year-round on the FutureLearn platform. Completing the 3 ECTS course takes 5 weeks and about 4 hours of studying per week. So far, over 400 people from over 55 countries have enrolled on the course. The feedback from the course has been positive.  

– Highly recommend it, especially if this is your first course on the climate and energy economies, comments Charles, one of the participants. 

Since this is an introductory course, taking it doesn’t require previous knowledge of climate change or energy transition. The course aims to give students an overall view of the topic and deepen it with case examples from companies in the Vaasa region. The case examples bring additional value to the course, especially for those who already know about the topic. 

– I liked the course. Even though I am interested in the topic and knew quite a bit beforehand, this course put the key things in the spotlight and it was relevant and meaningful. In a way, it was easy going, but on the other hand, with all additional links and add-on information it also went deep into the topics, says Ulf. 

Students can study according to their own schedule. The lessons include videos, articles and discussion that let students share their thoughts and ideas with others. After each lesson, there is a quiz to test your knowledge.  

Vaasa region – the place to be for future energy experts 

If the 3 ECTS course is not enough to satisfy your thirst for knowledge, keep in mind that the Vaasa region offers many study opportunities. For example, the University of Vaasa offers a Master’s Programme in Smart Energy for those who want to create innovative and sustainable energy solutions for the future. It provides students with wide expertise in key technologies enabling smart energy systems (such as battery energy storages, microgrids, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, 5G, and hybrid AC/DC systems with power electronics), as well as future market and business models. The two-year programme leads to a Master of Science in Technology degree that is highly appreciated by employers in Finland. 

The largest energy technology hub in the Nordic countries is an interesting environment for those considering studies in the field of smart energy or sustainable business.