VINDKRAFTKURS

Society is transitioning from oil dependency to metal dependency as we are turning to fossil-free alternatives in the energy and transport sectors. Today, many more metals in the periodic table are used in our daily lives compared to only a few decades ago and many metals that previously had marginal applications are today central to achieving the climate goals. But where do these metals come from and how are they linked to geology?In this course, you will explore the basics of geology and understand how geology controls where critical metals are in the earth’s crust. You will gain insight into what it takes to mine an ore body and broaden your perspective on what risks and challenges we are facing when it comes to the raw material supply that drives the fossil-free energy transition. This course covers the role of ore geology in the transition to fossil-free energy and transport systems, which means that we are moving from oil dependency to metal dependency. Geological processes throughout the earth’s history are responsible for the current distribution of ore deposits. By understanding how these ore forming processes work, we can better explain why certain metals occur in extractable amounts in one place while being almost absent in another. To meet the global demand of metals needed in, for example, solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries, a thorough understanding of how geological processes work is fundamental. In this course, you will be introduced to the fantastic world of the subsurface that made all the technology you take for granted possible.    You will explore: What critical metals are, where they are produced today, and what risks and challenges are involved in the supply of raw materials that drives the fossil-free energy transition. Basic geology – minerals, rock types, geological structures and why they matter. What an ore is and the natural processes that accumulate metals in the earth’s crust.  This course is designed for people that would like to gain knowledge about the role of geology in the transition to fossil-free energy systems. The course is for those who want to know more about what critical metals are, how an ore is formed, and about risks and challenges coupled to the supply of raw materials that drive the energy transition. This may include politicians and other authorities, teachers and students in elementary and high school that want to know more about subjects critical to the energy transition. It may also include university students within the social sciences, and many more. The course will also be useful for anyone who is employed and wishes to upskill within the area of societal challenges coupled to the supply of raw materials and the need for metals in modern society. The course will be given in english.

Hydrogen is a clean fuel, a versatile energy carrier, and seems to be the answer to the climate change challenge. Why is everyone talking about it, and how is it going to replace traditional fuels? This modularized course provides a comprehensive overview on hydrogen as an energy carrier, with focus on fuel cell as hydrogen conversion technology. Hydrogen production and storage and their role in decarbonization will be covered. Different fuel cell technologies will be analyzed and discussed to present benefits and challenges in the use of hydrogen for power production, urban mobility, aviation, transportation, residential sector and much more. The learners will be able to combine the available modules to create their personalized education based on their needs and get insights on where and when hydrogen can play a role in a carbon-free society.

This course provides a glimpse into the world of batteries. We all use batteries every day, but do you really know how a battery works, what’s inside it, what it’s useful for, and how scientists are trying to improve them for the future? Content This is an introductory course adressing Battery basics The development of the lithium-ion battery Applications and requirements Materials used to build batteries What happens to a battery when it’s finished its life? How batteries are being developed for the future Course structure The course is completly self paced. It will take you about 10-15 hours in total to complete. You will learn It is hoped that after the course you will be much more aware of the battery world, the requirements, applications and components of a battery, as well as having a wider perspective of how this important technology will develop over the coming decade.  Who is this course for? As a participant in this course, you ideally have some form of technical background, probably studied sciences at college or even in higher education, or have experience in a technical profession. 

Batteries and battery technology are vital for achieving sustainable transportation and climate-neutral goals. As concerns over retired batteries are growing and companies in the battery or electric vehicle ecosystem need appropriate business strategies and framework to work with.This course aims to help participants with a deep understanding of battery circularity within the context of circular business models. You will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement circular business models and strategies in the battery and electric vehicle industry, considering both individual company specific and ecosystem-wide perspectives. You will also gain the ability to navigate the complexities of transitioning towards circularity and green transition in the industry.The course includes a project work to develop a digitally enabled circular business model based on real-world problems. Course content Battery second life and circularity Barriers and enablers of battery circularity Circular business models Ecosystem management Pathways for circular transformation Design principles for battery circularity Role of advanced digital technologies Learning outcomes After completing the course, you will be able to: Describe the concept of battery circularity and its importance in achieving sustainability goals. Examine and explain the characteristics and differences of different types of circular business models and required collaboration forms in the battery- and electric vehicle- industry. Analyze key factors that are influencing design and implement circular business models based on specific individual company and its ecosystem contexts. Analyze key stakeholders and develop ecosystem management strategies for designing and implementing circular business models. Explain the role of digitalization, design, and policies to design and implement circular business models. Plan and design a digitally enabled circular business model that is suitable for a given battery circularity problem. Examples of professional roles that will benefit from this course are sustainability managers, battery technology engineers, business development managers, circular developers, product developers, environmental engineers, material engineers, supply chain engineers or managers, battery specialists, circular economy specialists, etc. This course is given by Mälardalen university in cooperation with Luleå University of Technology Study effort: 80 hrs

Why markets for electricity? How do they function? This introductory course explains how incentives shape outcomes in the electricity market. It brings out the implications for businesses and society of electricity pricing in the shadow of the energy transition. The course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the electricity market's role in ensuring an efficient electricity supply and addressing key public questions, such as What is the purpose of the electricity market? Why do electricity prices vary by location? How can electricity prices surge despite low production costs? Are there alternative ways to sell electricity? Why is international electricity trading important? The course emphasizes the role of economic incentives in shaping market behavior and addresses critical issues such as market power and its consequences. You will also explore the inefficiencies stemming from unpriced aspects of energy supply and the role of regulation in mitigating these inefficiencies. As the global push toward decarbonization accelerates, the course delves into the challenges posed by large-scale electrification, the implications of climate legislation for energy systems, and the impact of protectionist national policies. The course offers a comprehensive introduction to the electricity market, provides you with analytical tools for independent analysis and brings you to the forefront of current energy policy debate. The course will enable you to Describe the interaction between the electricity system and the electricity market. Explain how the electricity market can increase the efficiency of electricity supply, e.g. with respect to market integration. Show how market power reduces the efficiency of the electricity market. Categorize fundamental market imperfections and describe their solutions. Explain economic and political challenges associated with the green transition. Apply economic tools to analyze the electricity market and examine how changes to the electricity system and regulation affect market outcomes. Target group This course is designed for engineers and managers eager to enhance their understanding of electricity markets within the context of the industrial green energy transition. The purpose is to increase the understanding of the scope of the electricity market and its role in achieving efficient electricity supply. Study effort: 80 hrs

This course addresses the urgent need to transition metallurgical industries towards sustainable, carbon-free practices. Designed for industrial professionals and researchers, it provides comprehensive understanding of both environmental impacts and cutting-edge technological solutions transforming metal production. The curriculum begins with the context and imperative for sustainable metallurgy within global climate frameworks. You will explore alternative reduction technologies, studying hydrogen-based processes, electrolysis, and innovative techniques while evaluating your technical feasibility and real-world applications. The course examines sustainable energy integration challenges, focusing on renewable sources, storage technologies, and grid strategies essential for industrial implementation. Special attention is given to hydrogen's revolutionary role in metallurgy, covering production methods, applications in metal processing, safety considerations, and infrastructure requirements. Through a culminating entrepreneurial project, you will develop innovative solutions by forming interdisciplinary teams to address specific challenges, creating business plans and presentations while maintaining reflective learning journals. This transformative educational experience builds both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling you to become an effective change agent driving the decarbonization of metallurgical processes—an essential step toward industry's sustainable future. Course content Mapping Emissions in Metallurgical Systems  Low-Carbon & CO₂-Free Metallurgy Technologies Integrating Hydrogen & Renewables into Metallurgical Operations  Infrastructure, Supply-Chain Logistics & Plant Retrofitting You will learn to Analyze the environmental impact of traditional metallurgical processes and articulate the strategic importance of CO₂-free alternatives within global climate frameworks Evaluate breakthrough hydrogen-based reduction technologies, electrolysis methods, and other innovative approaches for sustainable metal production Develop strategies for integrating renewable energy sources into metallurgical operations, addressing intermittency and storage challenges Apply comprehensive technical and economic assessment methods to evaluate the feasibility of implementing carbon-neutral solutions in industrial settings Design transformation roadmaps for existing metallurgical facilities transitioning to low-carbon production methods Lead change initiatives within organizations by applying entrepreneurial thinking to overcome technological, economic, and social barriers to sustainable metallurgy Target group The course is designed for professionals at the intersection of metallurgy and sustainability who are driving industrial transformation towards carbon neutrality. It's ideal for Industrial PhD students and researchers exploring sustainable metallurgical processes Process engineers and technical managers in metal production facilities Sustainability and environmental compliance specialists in metallurgical industries R&D professionals developing next-generation metal production technologies Industrial strategists planning long-term decarbonization pathways Technology developers and entrepreneurs working on clean-tech solutions for metals production