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ESC-30040 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

ESC-30040 - Clean Technology
Coordinator: Richard Waller Room: WSF23A Tel: +44 1782 7 33179
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None


Description for 2026/27

With almost 75% of the total greenhouse gas emissions relating to the energy sector, the development and rapid adoption of a range of clean technologies; is central to local, national and global actions to deliver net zero; carbon emissions and to address the climate crisis. This module explores the key elements of the accelerating energy transition away from fossil fuels with a specific focus on: energy efficiency, clean energy generation and storage, electrification and their integration within smart energy systems. This module will also enable participants'; to develop and enhance their energy literacy skills, whilst showcasing current skills gaps and highlighting the diverse range of career and research opportunities available in this sector.

Aims
This module aims to provide a detailed introduction into the range of clean technologies central to the ongoing energy transition with a focus on clean energy generation and storage, the electrification of key sectors of the economy (e.g. transport and heating) and the integration of these technologies within smart energy systems. With the energy sector currently contributing c. 75% of global carbon emissions, this module critically evaluates the ability of these technologies to deliver the deep and immediate carbon reductions within both the Global North and the Global South required by the Paris Climate Agreement. The module also aims to enhance participants' energy literacy skills and to showcase current skills gaps and the diverse range of career and research opportunities in the sector.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe and explain the generation, flows and uses of energy within energy systems and to communicate using the standard terms and units used within the sector: 1,2
Identify the fundamental elements of the energy transition and explain the specific roles played by a range of specific clean technologies in generating, storing and efficiently utilising renewable energy: 1,2
Describe the ways in which clean technologies can be integrated and optimised within smart energy systems at a range of scales (domestic, local and national): 2
Critically evaluate the potential contributions of specific clean technologies to the emissions reduction targets included within net zero action plans and to identify both the potential barriers to their adoption (e.g. economic viability) as well as the possible negative consequences (e.g. contributions to social inequality): 2
Locate, evaluate and critically review research findings and quantitative data reported within both research and technical literature and authoritative data sources: 1,2

Study hours

12 x 2 hour teaching sessions (including a poster presentation session) - 24 hours
12 x 2 hour structured engagement with set reading or set listening - 24 hours
Coursework preparation and completion - 78 hours
Independent study - 24 hours


School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Workbook weighted 30%
Short answer coursework exercise
This patchwork assessment involves the completion of a workbook comprising a series of short exercises that are designed to promote the development of the energy literacy skills core to the module and engagement with key data sources on the generation and use of energy (ILOs 1 and 5). These exercises focus on the key elements of the energy transition and the roles played by specific clean technologies (ILO 2).

2: Report weighted 70%
3000-word report
This report of up to 3,000 words (not counting the reference list) should provide a critical overview of the key elements covered in the module (clean energy generation and storage, electrification and smart energy systems) with respect to either a specific country or a specific town or region. This assessment is consequently designed to provide you with the flexibility to apply the core knowledge and intended learning outcomes (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) to smart energy systems at the household, local, regional or national scale.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 16 September 2026