Bioenergy markets and policiesLaajuus (6 cr)

Objective

Upon a successful completion of this course, the student have obtained knowledge and skills for analyzing the development of the driving forces and barriers of the expanding bioenergy markets at local, national and international level as well as for understanding the bioenergy-related policies and governance processes. The student must be able to handle basic tools of market analysis and trade and will have an understanding of the limitations and effects of the policy frameworks on the introduction and development of bioenergy. The student must understand the demands and needs of the consumers and the role of the European Union and the member states in the decision making and promotion of bioenergy. The course develops the following generic skills: sustainability and responsibility, critical thinking, interaction and communication, leadership and development, identification and development of expertise, ethics, internationalisation.

Content

Essentials: Overview of the markets for wood biomass for energy production and biomass-based value chains globally and within the European Union (EU), including the supply, quantity, demand, and consumption as well as consumer market aspects. Fundamentals of the policies that have impacts on the supply and consumption of wood energy biomass. Complementary knowledge: Bioenergy governance at local and global level. International bioenergy business, role of bioenergy for the development of rural areas and entrepreneurship.

Materials

Literature and materials distributed during the course: https://sites.uef.fi/biopro

Further information

The course is organised annually in the spring semester. In a Finnish-language programme, a student has the right to use Finnish or another language in accordance with the curriculum in both written and oral attainments. Campus: Joensuu

Execution methods

Contact teaching. Lectures (24 hrs), exercises (14 hrs), assignments (62 hrs) and independent learning (62 hrs).

Accomplishment methods

0-5. Assignments (30 %) and final examination (70 %).