Energy Policy

This course introduces students to a global perspective on energy policy. Starting from the observation that the world will remain “hooked” on fossil fuels for decades to come, the course deliberately focuses on oil and gas, and developments affecting the consumption, production, trade or pricing of these commodities.

Several major trends are currently challenging the established system of global energy, most importantly the rise of new consumers (notably China and India) and the increasing role of state players on oil and gas markets. These trends entail geopolitical implications, as, for instance, an increasing share of the world’s oil and gas reserves is located in politically unfavorable regions or as consuming nations tend to engage in tougher competition over scarce resources. More importantly, however, these trends are profoundly transforming the dynamics of the oil and gas markets and the institutions that structure global energy relations, including emergency response mechanisms, trade and investment agreements, or the way major market players finance their endeavors.

This course introduces students to a global perspective on energy policy. Starting from the observation that the world will remain “hooked” on fossil fuels for decades to come, the course deliberately focuses on oil and gas, and developments affecting the consumption, production, trade or pricing of these commodities. At the same time, however, it also discusses what may change for oil and gas in a Post-Copenhagen world.