Energy Studies is a formal investigation of how we humans harness and use energy on our planet. It includes looking at renewable energy supply technologies, that is how we can generate useful energy in a sustainable manner, and energy management, that is how we can use existing energy supplies more efficiently.

Modern developed countries rely on a steady supply of high grade energy to operate. This energy is provided by a complex infrastructure for generating electricity, extracting and refining liquid fuels, and delivering them to where they’re needed. Without an energy supply, essential services, such as transport, lighting, heating, and electrical appliances cannot operate. It is often said that energy fuels the economy of nations. How strictly this relation between energy use and economy (or standard of living) holds is one of the topics of Energy Studies. We might question whether a high standard of living can be maintained with lower supplies of energy? Developing countries on the other hand have limited energy supplies, especially for residential use here the majority of people might only have wood, dung or coal for heat and cooking and have no access at all to electricity. Here the question is how can the standard of living in developing countries be raised using sustainable supplies of energy?

In the past few decades, the link between our use of fossil fuels for energy production and climate change has finally been recognized. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted by our energy conversion processes WILL cause a global rise in temperature. And this WILL cause widespread climatic changes on the earth. This situation creates an apparent dilemma for both established and emerging economies. Conventional wisdom suggests that we need ever increasing amounts of energy to maintain and improve standards of living, but by using traditional fuels such as coal and oil with their large carbon dioxide emissions, our environment severely threatened. Is there an alternative solution to this dilemma? Energy Studies will help you find one.

One way out is to use what we have more wisely (Energy Management) and another to explore non CO2 emitting cleaner energy sources (Renewable Energy Supplies). Growing concern world-wide has resulted in an upsurge of activity in these two areas, which form the main themes of Energy Studies at Otago University: efficiently managing existing non renewable energy resources and increasing the use of sustainable renewable energy.

Why should you take Energy Studies at Otago University?

• You’ll study skills that can be used for making the world a better place, helping to ensure the sustainability of the environment and energy supply for future generations.
• You’ll get to study at the University of Otago, known in New Zealand and around the world for its excellent staff, facilities, and student lifestyle.
• Not only will you enjoy your studies, you will be very employable. People with energy related qualifications are definitely in demand. - See our careers section.
• You will gain the expertise to become a professional energy specialist, with the skills and knowledge to work in industry, business, government, or as a consultant.
• You will be one of a few scientists and engineers able to bridge the gap between policy makers and technology specialists.

Information (including paper descriptions and entry requirements) on degrees in Energy Studies and Energy Management, such as the BAppSc (Bachelor of Applied Science) degree, BSc in Energy Studies and postgraduate courses is in the course section.