Renewable Energy: Achieving Sustainability through Bioenergy (FutureLearn)

Offered by University of Leeds,
Renewable Energy: Achieving Sustainability through Bioenergy (FutureLearn)

Understand the principles of bioenergy and learn how to harness this form of renewable energy to achieve sustainability. Learn about the principles and environmental implications of bioenergy.
On this two week course, you will explore bioenergy, one of the most diverse and readily available sources of renewable energy. You’ll look into what types of biomass can be used and how sustainable energy solutions can be developed in a wide range of communities.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see FutureLearn's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Understand how biomass is formed and how it can be converted into green energy.
You will learn how solar energy converts inorganic matter into biomass and consider the origins of fossil fuel. As you investigate different sources of biofuel, you will explore some of the associated socioeconomic and environmental implications.
You’ll then study how biomass can be converted into clean energy using different technologies before delving into social issues associated with biomass combustion.
Explore the social, economic and environmental implications of bioenergy by looking at global applications and case studies.
You will learn about the use of biogas and liquid biofuels such as palm oil by looking at case studies from around the world.
As you explore how communities use bioenergy, you’ll understand how it can be used to improve access to clean renewable energy to those that need it the most and gain an insight into practical applications.
You will also learn how people use a range of energy technologies in their homes by ‘stacking’ and explore ways that sustainability is enhanced by using bioenergy in different communities.
Develop practical skills that will help you to develop real-life energy solutions.
This skills-based course will enable you to put into practice the knowledge you’ve acquired by conducting a feasibility study for introducing bioenergy technologies into a small community. You will also get to use tools and gather technical information to help you develop your expertise and explore the topic further.

Syllabus

Week 1: Plant Power
Week 2: Investigating biogas and gasification

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explore some of the basic principles about bioenergy such as the nature of biomass pyrolysis and fermentation.
  • Become conversant with interdisciplinary approaches to renewable energy to see how technical, social, economic and environmental components interact.
  • Develop practical skills on integrated renewable energy such as selection of technologies and feedstocks to match local socio-economic needs.

Who is the course for?
The course is designed for anyone interested in renewable energy, bioenergy and achieving sustainable energy solutions. It will be of particular interest to students studying relevant disciplines, academic researchers, professionals in the energy industry, and NGOs.
The course features examples and case studies from Uganda, Mexico and Indonesia and so it will be of particular interest to communities from these countries as well as countries with similar energy needs.
This course is designed to support you as a professional. By completing all aspects of the course, you will have achieved 8 hours of CPD time.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Upcycling: From Green Ideas to Starting a Business (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
MINCA,Hands of Honour

Upcycling: From Green Ideas to Starting a Business (FutureLearn)

Explore the concept of upcycling, its link to sustainable development, and how you can start your own upcycling business. Understand upcycling, how to make upcycling products and start up a company. Have you ever turned unwanted objects or waste materials into entirely new products? Upcycling is the ideal way to combine creative ideas with a passion for sustainability and entrepreneurship.

Self Paced
3 Weeks
Social Innovation: Global Solutions for a Sustainable Future (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
MINCA,Biji-biji Initiative

Social Innovation: Global Solutions for a Sustainable Future (FutureLearn)

Discover the power of social innovation, and how it can change the world for the better. Explore the importance of social innovation in a changing world. Social innovation is the process by which new ways of doing things are created to respond to society’s needs. This can be technological – embracing open-source or online technology, for example – or it can be social, via encouraging local entrepreneurship.

Self Paced
3 Weeks
How Food is Made. Understanding Food Processing Technologies (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
EIT Food,EIT,DIL

How Food is Made. Understanding Food Processing Technologies (FutureLearn)

Have you ever wondered how your food is processed before it reaches your plate? Find out with this online course. Learn more about processing technologies and the foods that are affected. Food processing isn’t a new concept, however, many people might not understand how and why it happens. On this course, you will improve your knowledge of food processing technologies and build confidence in the processed foods on the market.

Jan 2nd 2023
4 Weeks
Tackling Environmental Challenges for a Sustainable Future (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of York

Tackling Environmental Challenges for a Sustainable Future (FutureLearn)

Discover how environmental research can inform how we respond to and solve the major global environmental issues of today. Explore sustainable solutions to environmental issues like changing glaciers. Our energy use is unsustainable, we’re producing waste plastic that’s endangering oceans, and large parts of the natural world are disappearing. We know our planet is facing huge environmental challenges, but what are we doing to solve them?

Self Paced
4 Weeks
Organising for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Hanken School of Economics

Organising for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (FutureLearn)

What are the Sustainable Development Goals and how will we achieve them? Learn how you can work towards the United Nations’ SDGs. Learn how to tackle sustainability challenges through the 17 SDGs. The world is facing unprecedented and pressing social and environmental challenges. On this course, you’ll explore the what, why and how of the 17 SDGs and understand what key global challenges remain as we work towards a sustainable and inclusive world.

Jan 20th 2025
5-12 Weeks
Transforming Urban Mobility: Components of Transport Planning for Sustainable Cities (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University College London,Transforming Urban Mobility Initiative - TUMI,GIZ

Transforming Urban Mobility: Components of Transport Planning for Sustainable Cities (FutureLearn)

Examine how different types of public transport can be employed to make urban transport more sustainable. Discover how urban transport can be made more sustainable. Good transport systems and projects are critical to the development of sustainable cities. On this course, you’ll consider the Avoid-Shift-Improve (ASI) framework – particularly the ‘Shift’ and ‘Improve’ dimensions – as key components of a sustainable urban mobility strategy.

Self Paced
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Sustainable Practices in Food Service (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
International Culinary Studio

Introduction to Sustainable Practices in Food Service (FutureLearn)

Create a more sustainable food service business and make a difference to your bottom line, your stakeholders, and the environment. Improve your sustainable practices within your organisation. Sustainability isn’t just about ‘greening’; sustainability actually means ‘meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.’ On this course, you’ll look at general global sustainability concepts, issues, and concerns, before focusing on sustainability specifically within food service and what you can do to reduce your impact.

Self Paced
2 Weeks
Chemical Engineering: Shaping a Sustainable Future (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Leeds

Chemical Engineering: Shaping a Sustainable Future (FutureLearn)

Learn how chemical engineering can help to solve global challenges and explore its role in delivering sustainable development. Understand how chemical engineers can provide sustainable solutions. Chemical engineers are leading the way in providing answers to global challenges such as climate change, food security, and effective healthcare. On this two-week course, you will be introduced to the exciting world of chemical engineering. You’ll explore how chemical engineers develop and design chemical manufacturing processes to provide sustainable solutions.

Self Paced
2 Weeks
Renewable Energy Microgrid (REM): Advancing Energy Transition (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Deakin University

Renewable Energy Microgrid (REM): Advancing Energy Transition (FutureLearn)

Sustain the planet with Deakin's online course. Explore transformative energy solutions empowering sustainable futures. Advance the clean energy transition with a deep dive into microgrid systems. As more industries adopt sustainable strategies and become key organisational pillars, the demand for skilled workers grows exponentially. Gain specialised skills and knowledge in the renewable energy market and microgrid technologies to help the planet reach Net Zero.

Self Paced
2 Weeks
Service Science and Sustainability (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
National Tsing Hua University

Service Science and Sustainability (FutureLearn)

Discover the science behind service systems, and in the process learn how the service sector can become more sustainable. Discover what service science is and how to best provide sustainable services. The service industry is underpinned by the systems that help to provide a service, and the stakeholders in the companies involved.

Self Paced
3 Weeks
Introduction to Environmental Cost-Benefit Analysis (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Deakin University

Introduction to Environmental Cost-Benefit Analysis (FutureLearn)

Boost your sustainability career as you gain the practical skills to conduct an environmental cost-benefit analysis. This two-week course will arm you with the skills to be able to choose and implement strategies for carbon reduction in your organisation. What’s more, you’ll gain expertise in environmental cost-benefit analysis to translate climate action into real value for your company.

Aug 28th 2023
2 Weeks
How to Drive Sustainable Healthcare: Educate, Engage, and Empower (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University College London

How to Drive Sustainable Healthcare: Educate, Engage, and Empower (FutureLearn)

Understand how healthcare impacts the environment and gain the skills to drive sustainable change within your healthcare setting. Discover the importance of sustainability in healthcare. Though healthcare systems play a vital role in society, they also have a considerable environmental impact. As we face the climate crisis, we must identify ways to reduce this impact. On this three-week course, you’ll discover how healthcare systems negatively affect the environment and what you can do in your healthcare setting to mitigate this. With this understanding, you’ll gain skills to promote sustainability and improve the health of your patients and the planet.

Jan 29th 2024
3 Weeks