The School is a five-day residential course, and covers the following topics:
- Energy: a global societal challenge. In a series of lectures by internationally renowned scientists, we present the current state of the energy system, its relationship with other global issues, and the key trends and indicators; we then identify the system’s weak points from the technical, economical, and social perspective, and outline some of the possible solutions and future scenarios – including that of the hydrogen economy.
- Technologies for the energy transition. This series of lectures provides an overview of some of the main renewable energy sources: hydropower, wind power, geothermal, biomasses. A special focus will be dedicated to the technology and economics of solar photovoltaic energy as one of the key renewable energy technologies and a model case study. A critical review of some controversial emerging and re-emerging technologies will also be given, such as biofuels, nuclear power, carbon capture and storage. The role of energy efficiency and energy savings is also presented in a series of practical cases demonstrated at different levels of the energy supply chain.
- The integration of electrical systems, storage, and transport. As the energy balance shifts towards an increase in the use of electricity, the recent and upcoming evolution of the electricity dispatching and distribution systems is described, and the corresponding enabling technologies are presented – including the key role of smart-grids and storage technologies, and their relation to the impending electrification of the transport sector.
- Frontiers in energy research and special topics. Internationally renowned scientists present their frontier research on energy topics and their vision; industry experts present their experience and outlook for the future of energy.
Lectures occupy half a day, while the other half is normally dedicated to networking, discussions, working on assignments, as well as relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.