Energy Policy

Course details

The Energy Policy Diploma Course is designed to provide in depth and practical knowledge of the current status of Energy Policy development worldwide and the interaction with and impact of other policies, strategies and regulation on the Irish Energy sector.

These include planning, environment, socioeconomic policies and impacts of energy project development at local and rural level including on to consumers and businesses and how they can delay or drive economic recovery in Ireland.

With rising awareness of issues such as "Peak Oil" and "Energy Security", Energy Policy development is a key focus for Ireland. This is a crucial decision time for Ireland in deciding the direction it will take to ensure our place in the world of energy generation, supply and consumption.

Qualifications gained

• Portobello Institute Diploma in Energy Policy

Entry requirements

• Entry to this course is by direct application to the college. There are no previous academic requirements.

Course content modules

• Energy Policy in Global, EU and Irish Context.
• Global energy and socio-political issues and impacts on local energy development in Ireland.
• Overview of the energy regulatory system and international energy and commodity markets including supply, demand, pricing and related impacts on the Irish sector.
• Current status of energy policy and critical security of supply issues.
• Other policies that impact on energy policy such as climate change and environment including competition policies and the impacts on national governments within the EU of Directives from the EU.
• Exploration of planning policies and the energy sector including barriers to renewable energy development, pylons and wires, public consultation and statutory bodies. Regional and Country development plans will also be examined along with NDP and National Spatial Strategy.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• In-depth knowledge of the status of Energy Policy globally, nationally and at EU level.
• Comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing the development of the energy sector in Ireland.
• Holistic appreciation of the interrelationships of other policies, strategies and regulations on the energy sector-especially those of planning at local and regional level.
• Awareness of economic impact on potential for development of the energy sector
• Ability to make all-encompassing fact-based energy related decisions.

Who Should Attend

• Local authority planners who wish to have a high level of background knowledge when making decisions or developing county, regional development and energy plans.
• Elected public representatives who wish to have a knowledge of the impacts of energy project development on their constituents along with improvements in public consultation.
• Financial specialists who wish to have an informed insight to the energy sector and its potential development based on global and EU Energy Policy to facilitate investment decisions.
• Graduates of many disciplines (Engineering, Economics, Law, Geography, Planning, Science, Business and Humanities) requiring in depth knowledge and the status of Energy Policy developments, internationally, nationally and EU level to enhance their current degree.
• Professionals in the energy sector who wish to build competency in the area of Energy Policy development.