Faculty of Science and Technology

This module looks at Management of Energy and Fuel Generation Projects

It will focus on the cross-sectoral issues which arise during the implementation of energy and fuels projects. The module will be heavily case study based and students will hear at first hand the experiences of practitioners in this field, and will carry out a number of site visits in the locality. Students will learn from practicing financial investors about the risks involved in waste related projects, and gain an insight into the guarantees that must be in place before a project can proceed.

Such guarantees involve elements relating to technology choice, long-term feedstock availability/price stability, fuel/energy markets plus likely changes in Government policy and the implications for any associated financial incentives. A large, local PFI agreement between a waste management company and a waste disposal authority will be studied in detail. Students will learn how the planning system deals with applications for new energy from waste plants, and will gain an insider's knowledge on issues relating to plant location, technology choice, environmental permitting and management of public relations. Students will learn how residuals from energy from waste plants (solids, liquids and gases) are contained, disposed and in some cases, sold. Finally, students will learn about legislation relating to the thermal treatment of animal wastes, and how energy generated from the process can be used to drive the process.

On completion of the module, students will be able to outline the development an Energy from Waste project, from fuel sourcing and technology assessment, through to sales of fuel/power and management of wastes arising. Students will be able to identify the key steps required in the procedure, plus areas where vital decisions will be made. Students should also be able to devise a strategy for dealing with likely objections and problems throughout the procedure. Student will have a comprehensive understanding of who all the key stakeholders in such projects are, plus their individual responsibilities.

More course information

Full details for this course will be released shortly.