Energy Economics & Environment Course | Prof. Rangan Banerjee IIT Delhi | NPTEL
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 457 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Humanities and Social Sciences, Multidisciplinary, Energy, Climate and Sustainability, Economics, Sustainable Architecture |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 24 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Interconnected World of Energy, Economics, and Environment
In an era defined by climate change and the urgent need for a sustainable energy transition, understanding the complex interplay between energy resources, economic forces, and environmental impact is more critical than ever. A new comprehensive course, Energy Resources, Economics and Environment, offers a deep dive into this essential nexus. Led by one of India's foremost energy experts, Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, this 12-week program is designed to equip the next generation of engineers, policymakers, and leaders with the analytical tools needed to navigate our energy future.
Learn from a Pioneer: Course Instructor Prof. Rangan Banerjee
Prof. Rangan Banerjee brings unparalleled expertise and leadership to this course. Currently the Director of IIT Delhi and formerly the Forbes Marshall Chair Professor at IIT Bombay, Prof. Banerjee was instrumental in founding the Department of Energy Science and Engineering. His distinguished career spans:
- Research & Innovation: Areas include energy systems modeling, hydrogen energy, fuel cells, and solar thermal power. He led the setup of a megawatt-scale Solar Thermal Power Testing Facility.
- Policy & Advisory: Extensive work with NITI Aayog, MNRE, state regulators, and international bodies on energy planning and policy.
- Academic Excellence: Recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award from IIT Bombay, Dean of R&D, and Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering.
- Global Engagement: Serves on editorial boards of leading international journals and is an Adjunct Faculty at Carnegie Mellon University.
Who Should Enroll in This Course?
This multidisciplinary course is meticulously designed for a broad audience seeking to solidify their understanding of energy systems through an economic and environmental lens.
- Primary Audience: Masters students in Energy Systems Engineering.
- Ideal For: Undergraduate and Postgraduate students from Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical Engineering streams with an interest in energy.
- Professionals & Enthusiasts: Individuals in fields of sustainable architecture, economics, public policy, climate science, and sustainability will find immense value.
A 12-Week Journey into Sustainable Energy Analysis
The course layout is structured to build knowledge from foundational concepts to advanced analytical techniques, culminating in real-world energy policy application.
Detailed Course Curriculum
| Week | Core Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1-2 | Global Energy Landscape: Energy flow diagrams, trends in India & world, Kaya Identity, energy security, and quality of life. |
| Weeks 3-5 | Energy Project Economics: NPV, IRR, payback period. Resource Economics: Reserves vs. resources, Hubbert's peak oil model, Hotelling's Rule. |
| Weeks 6-7 | Economic Fundamentals: Utility theory, social choice, public/private goods, externalities, and demand analysis. |
| Weeks 8-9 | Finance & Macro-Analysis: Debt/equity financing, innovative models, and Input-Output analysis for economy-wide impacts. |
| Weeks 10-12 | Advanced Sustainability Metrics: Primary & Net Energy Analysis, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of bioenergy, and Energy Policy frameworks with practical examples. |
Key Learning Outcomes and Skills
By completing this course, participants will gain the ability to:
- Quantify and analyze global and national energy trends and their environmental impacts.
- Apply financial metrics (NPV, IRR) to evaluate the viability of energy projects and technologies.
- Understand the economics of non-renewable resource depletion and models of scarcity.
- Internalize concepts of externalities, public goods, and welfare economics in the context of energy systems.
- Utilize advanced tools like Input-Output Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for holistic energy planning.
- Critically assess and formulate energy policies for a sustainable transition.
Essential Reading and Resources
The course draws upon seminal texts to provide a robust theoretical foundation:
- Global Energy Assessment (2012): For foundational knowledge on energy systems and environment.
- Resource Economics by Jon M. Conrad: For principles of natural resource management.
- Sustainable Energy by Tester et al.: A comprehensive guide to energy technology options.
- Environmental Economics by Charles Kolstad: For understanding market failures and policy instruments.
Why This Course is Essential for a Sustainable Future
The transition to a clean energy economy is not just a technological challenge; it is fundamentally an economic and environmental one. This course bridges these disciplines, providing a holistic framework to:
- Make informed decisions on energy investments and technology deployment.
- Design policies that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.
- Address critical issues of energy access, inequality, and security.
- Navigate the complex trade-offs inherent in our energy choices.
Under the guidance of Prof. Rangan Banerjee, participants will not just learn theories but engage with the real-world challenges and solutions shaping our planet's energy future. Enroll to build the expertise needed to lead in the fields of energy, sustainability, and climate action.
Enroll Now →