Clean, Renewable Energy & Storage for a Sustainable Future

The Clean, Renewable Energy & Storage for a Sustainable Future course, offered by Stanford Online, is a comprehensive self-paced online program designed to explore solutions for climate change, air pollution, and energy security through proven methods and techniques for transforming energy infrastructure, technologies, and policies. Led by Professor Mark Jacobson, it equips participants with strategies to transition to clean, renewable energy sources like wind, water, solar, and storage, while addressing human factors such as air quality, health impacts, and energy equity. This course requires about 12 hours to complete, with a tuition fee of $495, and is suitable for all levels without requiring an engineering or energy background.

Core Content

The curriculum provides a systems thinking approach to understanding the interrelationship between energy technologies and broader societal impacts. It differentiates clean renewable energy sources (wind, water, solar, and storage) from traditional and alternative options like coal, natural gas, hydrofracking, nuclear, and carbon capture. Key topics include the scope of industrial energy consumption and clean solutions, innovations in transportation such as electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell technologies for trucks, buses, and aircraft, and a full spectrum of energy storage methods like batteries, flywheels, and hydroelectric storage. The course also covers policies and actions needed for transitioning businesses, nonprofits, and governments to 100% clean energy, using short videos and exercises to evaluate strategies at local, regional, and global levels.

Key Skills

Participants learn to apply systems thinking to analyze energy technologies' impacts on air quality, health, land use, water requirements, grid reliability, energy equity, and security. The program builds competencies in evaluating renewable energy options versus traditional sources, assessing industrial and transportation energy needs, and interpreting energy storage technologies. Graduates gain practical abilities in developing and evaluating strategies for clean energy transitions, including policy formulation and infrastructure planning to ensure a healthy, sustainable future.

Target Learners

This course is intended for professionals at all levels interested in clean energy and sustainability, including those in business, policy, nonprofits, and government roles aiming to contribute to a better world. It suits individuals without engineering or energy backgrounds who want to understand and implement strategies for addressing climate change and energy challenges.

Learning Format

Delivered 100% online and on-demand, the course spans about 12 hours with 60 days of access, featuring short videos, online exercises, and knowledge checks. It is self-paced, allowing flexible completion, and awards 0.5 CEU-equivalent units upon finishing.

Additional Benefits

Completers receive credentials that enhance professional profiles in sustainability and energy fields, with access to Stanford's resources for ongoing learning. The program supports career advancement by providing verifiable skills in renewable energy strategies, fostering contributions to global clean energy transitions.

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