actemplatestg, Author at MA in Sustainable Energy

Author Archives: actemplatestg

Careers in Sustainable Energy

June 23, 2025 8:00 am Comments Off

a windmill creating sustainable energy

The energy field and sustainable energy job market are poised for long-term global growth. As clean, sustainable, and renewable energy technologies like solar energy, wind turbines, and battery storage become more cost-effective, organizations need leaders who can translate sustainability goals into actionable strategies. These professionals must understand the energy sector, including:

Economics
Policy and regulation
Business processes
Finance

In this article, we explore select career paths in sustainable energy that align with the skills taught in our MA in Sustainable Energy (online) program. This is just a sample of the many opportunities to work in roles where sustainable energy is a key focus.

If you have questions about potential career outcomes or want to know more specifically about how our degree aligns with your personal goals, you can request more information about the program here.

You can also visit our sustainable energy master’s curriculum page to see a full course list with descriptions.

An Exceptional Time for a Career in Sustainable Energy

Global momentum for clean energy continues to accelerate. In 2024, global energy demand grew by 2.2%¹, driven by rising electricity consumption and temperatures. Renewables led the growth with 38% of new energy supply, and solar energy and wind turbine capacity broke records by supplying 32% of global electricity.

The energy job market benefits from this momentum, especially in areas with a shortage of qualified talent like finance, operations, and management. The energy sector accounts for 8.4 million U.S. jobs², including roles in:

Solar
Wind
Geothermal
Biofuel
Nuclear

What Is the Outlook for Sustainable Energy Careers?

The global shift to low-carbon energy systems is driving demand across industries:

3.5 million clean energy jobs in the U.S. in 2024³
150,000 new jobs created in the past year
16.2 million people employed in clean energy worldwide in 2023⁴

Emerging areas like climate adaptation and resilience serve as excellent complements to existing renewable energy and energy efficiency jobs. Employers face skill shortages in energy efficiency, power distribution, and fuels, making it a great time to gain key skills and pursue in-demand roles.

Opportunities are available around the world. While more economically developed countries lead clean energy production, we’re beginning to see emerging markets and expanding investments in eastern Europe, South America, and Asia.

“The sustainable energy industry grapples with complex challenges in economics, technology, and governance. Solving problems in this industry requires a solid technical foundation, but understanding economics, finance, policy processes, and politics is equally important. The MA in Sustainable Energy program at Johns Hopkins University adds unique value by preparing students to deal with all this complexity.”

—Johannes Urpelainen
Director and Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Professor of Energy and Environment

Where Can a Master’s in Sustainable Energy Take You?

Job descriptions in sustainable energy span technical and non-technical roles, including consulting, economics, finance, policy, and research.

Sectors and Organizations Include:

Government and international organizations
NGOs and nonprofits
Utilities and energy trade organizations
Market research and consulting firms
Clean tech and renewable energy startups

While the MA in Sustainable Energy program at Johns Hopkins University is not designed to prepare students for technical roles, applicants with technical backgrounds often have valuable context and understanding for guiding policy and consulting with organizations to determine the feasibility of sustainable energy initiatives. So, the Johns Hopkins SAIS sustainable energy master’s program can act as an excellent career enhancement for those interested in using their existing technical expertise to guide sustainable energy policy, research, and investment.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Master’s in Sustainable Energy?

There are a wide variety of sustainable energy jobs available, with roles typically focused on analysis, management, and research. We’ve provided a broad sample of careers available in the field, and the key skills and responsibilities required are equally varied. While this market is defined by change, many of the foundational skills that are critical to solving today’s sustainable energy challenges will remain essential as the sustainable energy job market continues to grow.

Sustainable Energy Job Title	Average Salary
Energy Project Manager	$116,120
Sustainability Program Manager	$142,056
Sustainability Specialist	$89,000
Policy Analyst	$89,396
Energy Analyst	$86,068

Salary data compiled from Salary.com and Glassdoor.

Energy Project Manager

Average Salary: $116,120
Energy project managers lead the development of energy infrastructure projects such as solar farms, wind parks, and grid modernization efforts. Strong technical knowledge and leadership skills are essential to drive successful clean energy products, so these professionals will benefit from experience and advanced education.

Some responsibilities of energy project managers include:

Coordinating teams
Managing budgets
Ensuring regulatory compliance
Mitigating any risks of delays

Sustainability Program Manager

Average Salary: $142,056
Sustainability program managers oversee and coordinate multiple related projects that support an organization’s long-term environmental goals. Their responsibilities include:

Defining the overall program strategy
Managing interdependencies between projects
Aligning outcomes with business objectives
Ensuring regulatory compliance
Engaging stakeholders

They work across departments to implement sustainability initiatives, such as carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and waste management, that drive organizational change and measurable impact.

Sustainability Specialist

Average Salary: $89,000
Sustainability specialists help organizations develop plans and policies to reduce the negative environmental impacts of organizational operations. They may develop strategic plans to reduce overall energy usage and waste, transition energy usage to renewable sources, and ensure that organizational policies align with regulations.

Policy Analyst

Average Salary: $89,396
Policy analysts research and evaluate energy and environmental policies to guide decision-making in government organizations, nonprofits, or private companies. By analyzing legislation, assessing program effectiveness, and developing recommendations, sustainability-focused policy analysts can promote sustainable and efficient practices. Strong analytical skills and sector knowledge are crucial to policy analysts, as their ultimate goal is shaping sustainable energy strategies.

Energy Analyst

Average Salary: $86,068
Energy analysts examine a variety of market data, such as energy consumption patterns and pricing models, to support informed decision-making in the clean energy sector. Their research can help identify opportunities for organizations to:

Save costs
Increase efficiency
Integrate renewable energy sources
Optimize energy use
Plan infrastructure investments
Comply with regulations

“Government, business, and civil society leaders around the world have recognized the urgent need for ambitious climate action. A sustainable energy system is key to avoiding climate disruption, and demand for low-carbon energy sources will continue to grow rapidly both in the United States and globally. The sustainable energy industry will be a major source of well-paying, impactful jobs as the global economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

—Johannes Urpelainen
Director and Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Professor of Energy and Environment

About the MA in Sustainable Energy (online) Program at Johns Hopkins SAIS

Provided by a top global university, the Master of Arts in Sustainable Energy (online) at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) was created to help professionals gain the expertise needed to answer questions about how we can become more effective in our transition to sustainable energy. Students have the opportunity to improve their base of knowledge and their critical thinking skills, helping them rise to leadership positions in their respective fields. This program equips graduates with the interdisciplinary expertise needed to lead energy transitions that are technically sound, economically viable, and socially equitable.

Developed with input from expert faculty, industry leaders and sustainable energy employers, the program and its courses are taught by highly experienced researchers and professionals. Students in the Johns Hopkins SAIS benefit not only from the expertise and industry connections of our faculty but also from our network of 230,000+ alumni.

Disclaimer: This content has not been peer reviewed and is for informational purposes only.

Sources

All sources retrieved June 2025

1. International Energy Agency — Global Energy Review 2025
2. U.S. Department of Energy — 2024 U.S. Energy & Employment Jobs Report (USEER)
3. International Labour Organization — Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review 2024
4. International Energy Agency — Global energy sector employment increased by 3.8% in 2023, outpacing the wider economy

Renewable Energy vs Sustainable Energy: What’s the Difference?

April 30, 2025 8:00 am Comments Off

hydropower sustainable energy As climate change accelerates and global leaders pursue net-zero targets through policies like the EU Green Deal¹, solving the climate and energy crisis is one of the most essential undertakings of the 21st century. Perfect solutions will be hard to come by, due not only to drastic differences in political and public support for sustainable energy throughout the world, but the extensive knowledge required to address the many challenges associated with the global energy landscape.

“Renewable energy” and “sustainable energy” are often used interchangeably, even among industry experts and veterans. There is some overlap between the two, as many sustainable energy sources are also renewable. However, these two terms are not exactly the same.

A clear understanding of renewable energy versus sustainable energy can help:

Students make the right college and career choices based on their interests
Energy industry leaders make the correct decisions based on their organizational objectives
Policymakers craft appropriate, effective legislation
Consumers advocate for and adopt the energy methods they find most suitable

Renewable energy …	Sustainable energy …
Comes from sources that naturally replenish themselves at a rate that allows us to meet our energy needs Includes biomass, geothermal, hydropower, solar and wind Not all renewable energy is also sustainable, but improving the sustainability of renewables and fossil fuels can have environmental benefits	Comes from sources that can fulfill our current energy needs without compromising future generations Requires that energy is produced, collected, and distributed efficiently to minimize environmental and social impacts Can include responsibly managed nuclear, geothermal, hydropower, solar and wind

What Is Renewable Energy?

Produced from existing resources that naturally replenish renewable energy² can be a much more abiding solution than our current top energy sources. Unlike fossil fuels, renewables are increasingly cost-efficient³, and their environmental impacts⁴ are far less severe. By taking advantage of the earth’s ability to grow and recycle organisms, renewable power sources will theoretically be able to supply our energy needs indefinitely.

Renewable energy is defined by the time it takes to replenish the primary energy resource, compared to the rate at which energy is used. This is why traditional resources like coal and oil, which take millions of years to form, are not considered renewable. On the other hand, solar power can always be replenished, even though conditions are not always optimal for maximizing production.

Under this definition, examples of renewable energy sources include:

Biomass: Organic material that is burned or converted to liquid or gaseous form. Biomass from trees was the leading source of energy in the United States before the mass adoption of fossil fuels. Modern examples of biomass include ethanol and biodiesel, which are collectively referred to as biofuels. However, their sustainability depends on production lifecycle factors like land use, water consumption, and emissions. Advances in second-generation biofuels, which use non-food crops and agricultural waste, aim to address these concerns, reducing competition for land and improving overall carbon efficiency⁵.
Geothermal Energy: Heat produced by decaying radioactive particles found deep within the earth. Next-generation geothermal technologies such as superhot rock geothermal are being developed to significantly increase capacity and efficiency, with the potential to meet a larger share of global electricity demand by 2050⁶.
Hydropower: While hydropower used to be the largest source of renewable electricity due to its reliability, solar has now surpassed it in installed capacity. Hydropower remains a major contributor to global renewable generation but faces growth challenges due to environmental concerns and site limitations.
Solar: Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight directly into electricity and has been the fastest-growing renewable energy source in recent years. Solar’s rapid expansion⁷ is driven by improved affordability, viability, and demand, but deployment can require significant land area and effective storage solutions to address intermittency.
Wind: Wind turbines harness wind’s natural kinetic energy to generate electricity. Wind power continues to grow globally, though development faces challenges in some regions due to permit issues and grid connection challenges. Wind is often integrated with other renewables for a more stable energy supply.

What Is Sustainable Energy?

Sustainable energy sources can maintain current operations without jeopardizing the energy needs or climate of future generations. The most popular sources of sustainable energy⁸, including wind, solar and hydropower, are also renewable.

Biofuel is a unique form of renewable energy, as its consumption emits climate-affecting greenhouse gasses, and growing the original plant product uses up other environmental resources. However, biofuel remains a major part of the green revolution. The key challenge with biofuel is finding ways to maximize energy output while minimizing the impact of sourcing biomass and burning the fuel.

Even with resources that are both renewable and sustainable, the need for storage, transmission infrastructure, and equitable grid access can present hurdles.

It is a promising but nuanced option, and the answer isn’t as simple as transitioning from so-called “dirty” resources to sustainable ones. In addition to the challenges around sourcing resources⁹, not all sustainable solutions can be used in every situation. Their efficiency and/or effectiveness can depend on factors such as climate, geography, and local infrastructure. For instance, wind is produced by temperature changes in the air, which aren’t consistent across the planet. In the U.S., this means that the best place to put wind farms¹⁰ is in the Midwest, the Texas region, or offshore. How do we ensure this energy fairly provides for other regions, like the Northeast?

Furthermore, disparities in regulations and target goals can create a problem where the best place to produce energy may not have the public interest or infrastructure necessary to support it. For example, a windy state may struggle to pass legislation for financing the construction of turbines, while its neighbor may be eager for a nearby source of clean energy. How do we navigate such situations in a way that allows consumers to get what they want, no matter where they live?

While new technologies, such as grid-scale battery storage and smart distribution networks, are helping bridge these gaps and making renewable energy more accessible across regions, there is much more work to do. Answering these and other questions requires the advanced critical thinking skills and social, political and economic awareness that a master’s degree in sustainable energy can provide. It will take more to support long-term adoption of renewable and sustainable resources than technical knowledge alone.

The Renewable Energy vs. Sustainable Energy Debate

Energy leaders must understand the nuances between renewable and sustainable energy and use them accurately in legislation. Not only will the precise use of language benefit consumers, allowing them to understand the implications of their energy choices, but it will also help officials ensure their policies accurately reflect their objectives.

For example, a policymaker who drafts a green bill only using the term “renewable energy” may subvert the effect of their own legislation by failing to account for the potential environmental impact of energy sources like biofuels.

Additionally, by using these terms appropriately, energy leaders can ensure their initiatives resonate with public values, increasing the likelihood of continuous national support. As of 2023, 82% of Americans favor expanding solar power and 75% support more wind energy¹¹, with majorities in both major political parties backing these measures. While Democrats are generally motivated by concerns over climate change, Republicans often cite economic benefits such as job creation and energy independence as key reasons for their support. This bipartisan consensus underscores a positive outlook for sustainable energy and highlights the importance for policymakers, private sector leaders, and nonprofits to develop comprehensive strategies that address both environmental and economic priorities.

The question then becomes: How do we go from simply supporting sustainable energy to widespread adoption? The answer is multifaceted, but higher education plays a significant role.

Energy professionals must understand how energy creation, distribution and consumption are affected by factors such as:

Geography: Where and how can we obtain energy in ways that provide for efficient use, reduce environmental impact and remain cost-effective?
Economics: How do we finance the transition to sustainable energy sources? How does the cost of creating and distributing sustainable energy affect the rate of adoption? What about areas with little money to invest in sustainable energy?
Availability: How do we provide sustainable energy to areas less likely to produce it? How do we account for the earth’s natural shifts in resources when quantifying and meeting our energy needs?
Politics: How do we navigate political interests and arguments for and against sustainable energy?

Even those currently in the industry may find themselves bewildered by the field’s rapid pace and myriad influences. They need the opportunity to build on their existing knowledge and skills in order to address the needs of now and the future.

A master’s degree can introduce energy sector professionals, both experienced and new, to the various issues surrounding the energy crisis. Successfully completing courses that cover multiple aspects of the energy industry, including but not limited to its organization, markets, end-use, policy, financing and global governance, prepares students to tackle some of the biggest energy and climate challenges of today and tomorrow.

About the MA in Sustainable Energy (online) Program at Johns Hopkins SAIS

Disclaimer: This content has not been peer reviewed and is for informational purposes only.

Sources

All sources retrieved April 2025

1. European Commission – European Green Deal
2. International Energy Agency – 2024 Renewables Analysis
3. International Renewable Energy Agency – Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2023
4. American Data Exchange Corporation (ADEC) Environmental, Social, and Governance – Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy Sources
5. Fast Company – The Future of Bioenergy: What 2025 and Beyond Hold for Biomass and Carbon Capture
6. Clean Air Task Force – An Introduction to the Next Clean Energy Frontier: Superhot Rock and the Future of Geothermal
7. Ember Energy – Global Electricity Review 2025
8. United Nations Economic Commission for Europe – Pathways to Sustainable Energy
9. Green European Journal – Up in Smoke: The Biomass Energy Paradox
10. Environmental and Energy Study Institute – Renewable Energy
11. Pew Research Center – Majorities of Americans Prioritize Renewable Energy, Back Steps to Address Climate Change

Student Testimonial: Why I Chose the MA in Sustainable Energy
August 23, 2023 2:19 pm Comments Off on Student Testimonial: Why I Chose the MA in Sustainable Energy

Abigail Hunter, a current student in the Master of Arts in Sustainable Energy (online) program, decided to pursue graduate study in order to specialize her knowledge in the field of sustainable energy, with a particular interest in energy storage. In the Q&A below, learn why she chose the MA in Sustainable Energy (online) program, what stood out most in the program, and why she thinks the program is turning out the next generation of leaders in the field.

You can also watch a video where Abigail sheds light on her experience.

Why did you choose the MA in Sustainable Energy (online) program?

My career has mostly been as a generalist, which I think is very common in Washington, but I found that to be able to advance and get more out of my career, developing my expertise would ensure that I have deeper connections with people. And not just the ones that I’m in the same field with, but also people curious about an issue. And I decided that I wanted that expertise to be in sustainable energy and, more specifically, energy storage. So it definitely perked my interest to see that Johns Hopkins SAIS, which is a very reputable organization, had a program on that exact subject.

How have you benefited from the program being online?

I — and a couple of my classmates agree with me on this point — never thought that I would go back to school and leave the workforce. I’m very career oriented. And I thought that I could just advance through working, but when I found out in myself that I wanted to take a clear jump in one direction in my career, and that it merited a post-secondary education, I really didn’t want to quit my job. I wanted to walk and chew gum. So the fact that this program was online definitely enabled me to do that.

What stands out the most during your time in the program?

Since starting the program, I’ve noticed a lot of my classmates have really successfully pivoted their careers and seeing that only reassures me that I have potential growth in this field.

It also makes me realize that this program is actually turning out the next generation of leaders in sustainable energy and has enabled them to change career paths or grow in a specific energy related career path, and it’s great to know that beyond this I will have this strong network, which isn’t something that’s guaranteed in an online program.

How has this program helped you with your professional goals?

I think it’s helped me in my professional goals in that it’s enabled me to try on a lot of different careers. That’s the approach I took to the program.

I think my other cohort members might have taken a bit of a different approach, but I really wanted to experiment with areas that I was interested in working in and so I’ve written papers and done research projects and group projects on transmission infrastructure, EV battery policies abroad, climate finance in Africa. And all of that has enabled me to see what I want to work on in this field, and [ask] what are the greatest limitations to a career in this field? What are the greatest opportunities? And so I think that’s been really helpful. I definitely feel as though I’ve narrowed my focus for when I want to take my next step in my career in the sustainable energy world as a result of this program.

What would you say to someone who is interested in enrolling in this program?

I would say if you’re feeling like you don’t know enough about sustainable energy or you feel like you have a real strong hold on a specific area of sustainable energy, this program has the opportunity to benefit both sides of that.

So if you’re looking in any way to bolster your credibility, whether it’s credibility in sustainable energies or fossil fuels or policies that enable or undermine either of those, I think that there’s something for you.
How COVID-19 Disrupted the Renewable Energy Transition – and How the World Can Get Back on Track
December 12, 2022 11:53 am Comments Off on How COVID-19 Disrupted the Renewable Energy Transition – and How the World Can Get Back on Track

In December 2019, S&P Global released an optimistic rundown of 2020 energy events. They reported that lower emissions and increased sustainability would be a major theme of 2020. A few months later, many of those events were canceled and the predictions rendered irrelevant as the coronavirus pandemic upended the world.

Like many other industries, the renewable energy sector experienced slowdowns, pauses, and even complete shutdowns throughout the years that followed. These were often due to sudden unavailability of resources or personnel, a disrupted supply chain, and time, energy and money diverted elsewhere.

Yet, the sector has shown resilience. Just two years later, 2022 was called a “record year for renewable capacity.” There are even indications that the industry may benefit from the wake-up call caused by the pandemic as a focusing event.

While the pandemic is far from over — the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Dashboard reported more than 12.3 million cases globally in the month of October 2022 — the world is reopening.

In this article, we look closer at the pandemic’s effect on sustainable energy sources and on global endeavors to reduce climate change. We also examine ways that worldwide recovery efforts can make up for lost time during this critical moment.

If the international community fails to limit global warming during this century, serious climate disruption may follow. On the one hand, technological progress has contributed to decarbonization in the global power sector, and the rise of electric vehicles holds promise in transportation. . . . On the other hand, the deep undercurrents of international politics are distinctly unfavorable to effective, coordinated climate action.

Johns Hopkins SAIS professor Johannes Urpelainen

What Happened?

The Global Supply Chain Broke Apart

In March 2020, more than 100 countries entered full or partial lockdowns. This included nations that were key links in the sustainable energy supply chain.

China, the first to lock down, produces more than 60% of the world’s solar panels, accounts for 58% of global wind turbine nacelles production capacity, and supplies roughly 75% of the world’s lithium-ion batteries, among many other components, according to a Brookings report.

Nearly 95% of the Fortune 1000 companies reported disruptions. Clean energy projects went on hold for months or even years as procurement, refining, manufacturing, assembly, shipping, and logistics were all affected by the supply chain crisis.

By 2022, projects resumed despite lingering supply chain issues: large- and small-scale solar projects were up 33% in 2022, and wind project financing was up 16% that same year, according to BloombergNEF.

However, commodities are priced higher than at the start of the pandemic. That means it will cost more to meet our climate goals. For instance, the residential solar market in the United States saw a record 4.2 GW installed in 2021, a 30% growth over 2020. Yet, that same year also saw a record price increase of 12.7%, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

We need new approaches to stop materials shortages, such as focusing on recycling of the rare-earth materials found in permanent magnets or finding substitutions to balance the demand for aluminum, copper, and cobalt. Innovative thinking will be critical for weathering the ongoing crisis.

Fossil Fuels Gained Traction Again

The pandemic challenged the world’s dedication to championing renewable energy sources.

At the start of the pandemic, fossil fuel consumption dropped as people stayed home.
- Global CO2 emissions from fossil fuels dropped 7.8% in the first quarter of 2020.
- Coal demand dropped by 4.4% in April 2020.
- Oil markets plunged, with demand dropping by 9% at the end of 2020.
But those dips turned back into spikes: by the end of 2020, coal usage was higher than in 2019. And in 2022, oil companies like Shell and ExxonMobil reported record profits.

These trends have since shifted somewhat: the International Energy Agency’s 2022 analysis found the uptick in coal was temporary, and that solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind are growing faster than any other energy source.

But we are not out of the woods yet — in his testimony before Congress on green recovery, JHU professor Jonas Nahm called out governments that still bail out fossil fuel companies and invest in polluting technologies.

“Given the limited time remaining to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and avoid the worst consequences of climate change, these patterns signal a missed opportunity to shift the global economy to a more sustainable path,” Professor Nahm said.

Resources Diverted To Fighting the Coronavirus — and Recovery Spending Is Still Falling Short

The pandemic demanded an incredible outlay of resources. This often necessitated a rapid shift away from priorities that, at least superficially, did not have an immediate impact on abating the pandemic’s consequences.

Countries rolled out large spending bills meant to stabilize their economies; an estimated 85% of these funds went to rescue spending, which buoyed families and businesses.

However, a team of Johns Hopkins University professors analyzed that spending and found that only 6% of stimulus spending went to emission-cutting activities. They also found that 3% of that money went to activities that could actually increase global emissions.

As countries shift from emergency spending to recovery spending, they are spending less on green recovery than in past recessions. This is a missed opportunity: “Long-term investments in infrastructure, transport electrification, building efficiency and clean-energy technologies will open up new sources of economic growth,” the JHU professors write. “It is not too late to change course.”

The War in Ukraine Brought Further Disruption

The crisis created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is breaking down administrative and bureaucratic barriers and will likely accelerate change.

Jim Bellingham, director of the Institute for Assured Autonomy at Johns Hopkins University

As markets began to stabilize in the wake of the pandemic, Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. This has caused a humanitarian crisis, a geopolitical crisis, and also an energy crisis.

Before the war, Russia was the third largest producer of fossil fuels, had the third largest reserve of coal in the world, and held the second largest reserve of natural gas. Their natural gas supply lines served as an important transitional energy source for regions with ambitious clean energy plans like the European Union. Russia as well as Ukraine supplied raw materials used in renewables such as palladium, semi-finished steel, and nickel.

The turmoil has left the EU, in addition to countries like the U.S., Japan, and India, racing to find new energy partners. It also has encouraged them to ramp up domestic production. This may ultimately accelerate the transition to sustainable energy sources. Here are some factors driving that acceleration.
- As fossil fuel prices skyrocket, renewable options are more price competitive
- Fossil fuels costs are volatile, pushing the market to seek stability elsewhere
- Russia’s political actions have increased the pressure to find autonomous sources
However, in a “Hopkins at Home” talk about the future of European energy, Professor Nahm warned that countries will not become immediately self-sufficient — instead they may find themselves in new relationships that are difficult in different ways.

It is not clear yet what exact shape the new supply chains will take or where the industry will shift. What is certain is that our highly interconnected energy network will look very different in the next decade.

What’s Next? Steps for Ensuring a Stronger Clean-Energy Future

The term “carbon lock-in” describes the deep roots that fossil fuels have in our systems. This integration — and inertia — makes it harder to switch to green technologies. A focusing event or a “shock” to the existing system like the coronavirus pandemic can break the lock-in and create openings for change. There are some encouraging signs that transition is underway.
- Global clean energy spending ramped up in 2022; worldwide clean energy investment rose 8% in 2022 to reach a total of $2.4 trillion, according to the IEA, with the biggest spenders being China, the EU, and the U.S.
- Industrial countries have all pledged more money over the next decade to combat climate change and promote green energy. For example, the U.S.’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act includes $369 billion in funding for climate and clean energy provisions, while the European Green Deal includes €503 billion for clean energy over the next ten years.
- Energy jobs have rebounded from COVID-19. In the U.S., energy jobs grew faster than the U.S. workforce overall. More than 300,000 jobs were added in 2021 for a total of 7.8 million jobs. Worldwide, sustainable energy employment increased by 700,000 for a total of 12.7 million jobs.
These are promising steps, but much more needs to be done to improve energy efficiency in order to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and limit global temperature rise to 2.7°F. What are some steps to ensure that we make the most of this critical time?

Policies for Greener Recovery Spending

An analysis in Nature by JHU professors Jonas Nahm, Scot Miller, and Johannes Urpelainen found that initial pandemic recovery spending did not cut emissions as promised. To avoid this with future funding, they detail four ways governments can promote recovery spending that enhances livelihoods and secures a cleaner energy future.

1. Include environmental conditions in all stimulus bills.
2. Focus on recovery measures that have a direct emissions impact.
3. Position their economies to be strategic in a post-carbon world.
4. Analyze recovery spending in different countries to find the best investments for both climate and economic recovery.

“We call on all governments to combine economic and climate objectives in upcoming recovery bills — even cheap measures can be effective, such as making bailouts conditional on emissions reductions,” the professors write.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic is slowing, governments that turn a blind eye to risks fail to guard their citizens’ lives and livelihoods,” they warn.

“Cooperate or Perish”

Greenhouse gasses don’t stop at borders; the consequences of climate change do not proportionally affect the biggest polluters. Climate change is a global problem that demands international cooperation.

“This is our only hope of meeting our climate goals,” said the UN secretary general during the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-27). “Humanity has a choice: cooperate or perish.” He said that the U.S. and China especially needed to find a way to show leadership through cooperation.

Professor Urpelainen agrees: “Ending the tug-of-war between politics and markets is essential for meaningful progress in the global effort to stop climate change before it is too late to avoid irreversible damage,” he said. “Without a 180-degree change in the direction of international relations, today’s great techno-economic opportunity will not save us from extreme climate disruption.”

Nations and private firms should not attempt to “do it all” — that is, develop, commercialize, and produce new technologies, often duplicating efforts. Instead, leaders should embrace “collaborative advantage,” explains Professor Nahm. This is a shared, global division of labor where countries and firms specialize in areas where they already have an advantage and then collaborate to complete the technology chain.

Professor Nahm points out that this collaboration has already played out successfully among China, Germany, and the U.S. in the wind and solar industries. However, a tax credit in the Inflation Reduction Act that ties eclectic vehicle battery funding to U.S. manufacturing is causing pushback from the EU and reveals the challenges of balancing progress and politics.

Support Innovation and Visionary Solutions

The world has made incredible strides in how we generate, distribute and use energy. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) points to advances in solar PV, onshore and offshore wind, and batteries as key signs of progress.

In order for these advances to continue, they must be supported by a mix of direct federal funding, market-shaping policies, and private-sector research spending.

“Addressing grand challenges like climate change will require fundamental advances in technology, where the United States is uniquely equipped to be at the global frontier,” Professor Nahm said in his testimony before congress on green recovery.

“This means continuing to support the core strengths of U.S. firms and universities — the invention of new technologies — through investments in basic and applied research,” he said.
The power of investing in innovation is clear at Johns Hopkins University: the Ralph S. O’Connor Sustainable Energy Institute (ROSEI) opened in 2021 with a $75 million, 10-year investment drawn from both institutional and private funding. Now, researchers at ROSEI are working to:
- Extract the carbon in CO2 and convert it to solid carbon to be used in applications ranging from farming to construction.
- Produce flexible colloidal quantum dot-based solar cells that can be sprayed like paint directly onto batteries to form an integrated power generating storage system.
- Create high-performance computer simulations that can support better wind-farm planning or demonstrate the purchase and delivery of power through an inverter-dominated power grid.
“There are so many industries that need to be redesigned so we can lessen the carbon emissions to hit those goals, so coming up with new practices that will help with that could become an exciting career,” said Chao Wang, a lead at ROSEI and an associate professor in the JHU Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. “This is an opportunity to make a big impact.”
Time Is Running Out — We Need Highly Capable Energy Leaders

The renewable energy sector is returning to full strength after these difficult years. However, the world is not on track to meet its climate goals.

What does this mean for someone interested in renewable energy careers? It means there are opportunities at every level and across a multitude of sectors — and the need is immediate. Now is the time to act.

Anyone who wants to shape the transition to more sustainable energy sources must be able to operate within complicated economic, political, and environmental systems. Leaders must be as comfortable working with datasets as they are working with stakeholders.

Those who can navigate these systems will be able to shape policy, advise organizations, contribute to academic research, and ultimately help the world make up for lost time.

About the MA in Sustainable Energy (online) Program at Johns Hopkins SAIS

Provided by a top-ranked global university, the Master of Arts in Sustainable Energy (online) at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) prepares professionals to answer questions about how we can effectively transition to sustainable energy. Students expand their knowledge and improve their critical thinking skills, helping them rise to leadership positions.

Developed with input from faculty, industry leaders and sustainable energy employers, the program’s courses are taught by highly experienced researchers and professionals. Students in the Johns Hopkins SAIS benefit not only from the expertise and industry connections of our faculty but also from our network of 230,000+ alumni.

Disclaimer: This content has not been peer reviewed and is for informational purposes only.
The Inflation Reduction Act and Renewable Energy Policy
November 18, 2022 11:55 am Comments Off on The Inflation Reduction Act and Renewable Energy Policy

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law by President Joe Biden on August 16, 2022, included measures focused on a variety of issues such as prescription drug prices and corporate taxes. But most significantly, the bill has been widely described as the single greatest investment in battling climate change in United States history. From the perspectives of many advocates and policymakers striving to advance the transition to renewable energy, the IRA has the potential to be a major turning point in the U.S. response to the climate crisis.

Johns Hopkins University Assistant Professor of Energy, Resources, and Environment Jonas Nahm, JHU Assistant Professor of Political Science Bentley Allan, and Georgetown University Associate Professor of Energy and Environment Joanna Lewis published an analysis finding that “the IRA puts economic opportunities rather than economic costs at the center of the climate policy conversation. That may transform America’s economy — and perhaps its politics, too.”

Nonetheless, experts agree that a great deal of work remains for the U.S. to succeed in hitting its climate targets and honoring the international commitment made in the 2015 Paris Agreement to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Getting there will involve concerted efforts from private businesses and nonprofits as well as government agencies. For professionals pursuing careers in the fields of climate policy and renewable energy technology, it’s vital to understand the law’s anticipated outcomes and consider what further actions must be taken. Experts who build their skills in analysis and leadership can guide the way to sustainable solutions in the years to come.

What’s in the Law?

The Inflation Reduction Act directs $369 billion to climate and energy programs including:
- Direct rebates to consumers who make efficient home energy purchases like heat pump clothes dryers or electric stoves and ovens.
- Modernizing the U.S. Postal Service fleet with electric vehicles as well as replacing buses and garbage trucks with cleaner alternatives.
- Tax incentives for:
  - Consumers’ purchases of new and used electric vehicles.
  - Home improvements such as rooftop solar panels, insulation, and upgrades to windows and doors.
  - U.S. manufacturers producing components used in wind power, solar power, and battery storage.
  - Research and development in carbon dioxide capture and clean hydrogen power generation.
  - New energy technologies at the electric cooperatives that provide power in rural areas.
Benefits for the Climate and the Economy

The IRA is not quite sufficient to put the U.S. on track toward the Biden Administration’s broader goal of a 50 percent reduction in carbon emissions from 2005 levels by 2030. However, the Department of Energy’s assessment suggests that the bill could indeed get the country much closer, paving the way for a reduction of about 40 percent in that timeframe. That progress is vital as we see the effects of climate change in the forms of ice loss, sea level rise, wildfires, and extreme weather. Diminishing the greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere would slow warming, giving societies more time to adapt, and deliver health benefits through improved air quality.

The White House emphasized the IRA’s economic value, projecting that families could save $1,000 or more per year by taking advantage of the tax credits for electric vehicles and home improvements, plus another $350 per year by purchasing efficient appliances. According to the administration, the bill’s tax incentives and requirement for domestically produced content will bolster U.S. clean energy manufacturing, resulting in 950 million solar panels, 120,000 wind turbines and 2,300 power grid-scale battery plants by 2030.

“The scramble to meet domestic content requirements will lead to a rapid build-out of domestic manufacturing capacity for electric vehicles, batteries, wind turbines, solar panels, and the components and materials required to produce them,” Nahm, Bentley, and Allan wrote in their analysis. “As states compete for these investments, many new plants will inevitably be constructed in parts of the United States where voters to date have not considered climate change a key priority.”

It remains to be seen how these measures will pay off in the political discourse, but reducing carbon emissions certainly has the potential to deliver quantifiable gains for Americans’ well-being. The Office of Management and Budget said that the changes in policy would prevent damage to property and health, ultimately saving up to $1.9 trillion in social costs.

What’s Next in Climate Policy?

While widely applauding the IRA’s provisions, climate experts agree that many additional steps will be necessary if the international community is to hit the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global temperature change to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius (or preferably 1.5 degrees) over the pre-industrial average. Reaching that point will require transformations in industry, transportation, and the power grid. Professor of Environmental Management Benjamin F. Hobbs outlined to the JHU Hub what he views as potential next steps to motivate a lasting, nationwide shift toward sustainability.

“Tax credits for clean technologies — the emphasis of this bill — are only a partial answer, and do very little, for instance, to incentivize minimizing emissions from operating the power plants that are in place at any given time or to motivate consumers to use less energy,” he said. “Full decarbonization will be affordable if we use tax, utility pricing, and other policies to set a consistent price on carbon throughout the economy.”

The kinds of technological innovations supported by the IRA are also crucial to alter how the U.S. produces energy and manages greenhouse gasses. At the Johns Hopkins Ralph O’Connor Sustainable Energy Institute, for example, researchers are investigating methods to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it to solid carbon that’s useful in industry. Others are striving to create materials that offer increased storage for solar energy and put this power to work in a wide variety of applications. The bill’s incentives will support efforts like these and spur promising new projects in the public and private sectors.

Governments, businesses, NGOs, and individuals all have their own parts to play in reaching ambitious climate goals even as major obstacles continue to emerge, such as the June 2020 Supreme Court ruling that limited the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate emissions from power plants. But as Professor of Political Science Hahrie Han warned in The Johns Hopkins News-Letter, the urgency of climate change means there is limited time to overcome the competing interests that stand in the way of policy solutions.

“We should all be heartened by the passage of the IRA,” she said. “It is a monumental step, but there is still more to do. None of us should underestimate the role that we can play in making personal decisions and being part of the political coalitions needed to create a sustainable future.”
Marshaling the necessary resources in the face of ideological divisions and economic headwinds is the defining challenge for professionals in the sustainable energy field. To make the next leap forward, organizations will need leadership from analytical problem-solvers with rigorous expertise in the relevant issues of policy and economics.

About the MA in Sustainable Energy (online) Program at Johns Hopkins SAIS

Provided by a top-ranked global university, the Master of Arts in Sustainable Energy (online) at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) prepares professionals to answer questions about how we can effectively transition to sustainable energy. Students expand their knowledge and improve their critical thinking skills, helping them rise to leadership positions.

Developed with input from faculty, industry leaders and sustainable energy employers, the program’s courses are taught by highly experienced researchers and professionals. Students in the Johns Hopkins SAIS benefit from the expertise and industry connections of our faculty as well as our network of 230,000+ alumni.

Disclaimer: This content has not been peer reviewed and is for informational purposes only.
The Future of Sustainable Energy
June 26, 2021 2:06 pm Comments Off on The Future of Sustainable Energy
The need for plentiful, sustainable energy that doesn’t disrupt the delicate balance of the Earth’s atmosphere may be the single most important issue facing this generation. The decisions we make and the technologies we develop over the next few decades will have profound implications for geopolitics, wildlife, food production, and almost every sphere of human endeavor.

Building a sustainable energy future calls for leaps forward in both technology and policy leadership. State governments, major corporations and nations around the world have pledged to address the worsening climate crisis by transitioning to 100% renewable energy over the next few decades. Turning those statements of intention into a reality means undertaking unprecedented efforts and collaboration between disciplines ranging from environmental science to economics.

There are highly promising opportunities for green initiatives that could deliver a better future. However, making a lasting difference will require both new technology and experts who can help governments and organizations transition to more sustainable practices. These leaders will be needed to source renewables efficiently and create environmentally friendly policies, as well as educate consumers and policymakers. To maximize their impact, they must make decisions informed by the most advanced research in clean energy technology, economics, and finance.

Current Trends in Sustainability

The imperative to adopt renewable power solutions on a worldwide scale continues to grow even more urgent as the global average surface temperature hits historic highs and amplifies the danger from extreme weather events. In many regions, the average temperature has already increased by 1.5 degrees, and experts predict that additional warming could drive further heatwaves, droughts, severe hurricanes, wildfires, sea level rises, and even mass extinctions.

In addition, physicians warn that failure to respond to this dire situation could unleash novel diseases: Dr. Rexford Ahima and Dr. Arturo Casadevall of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine contributed to an article in the Journal of Clinical Investigation that explained how climate change could affect the human body’s ability to regulate its own temperature while bringing about infectious microbes that adapt to the warmer conditions.

World leaders have accepted that greenhouse gas emissions are a serious problem that must be addressed. Since the Paris Agreement was first adopted in December 2015, 197 nations have signed on to its framework for combating climate change and preventing the global temperature increase from reaching 2 degrees Celsius over preindustrial levels.

Corporate giants made their own commitments to become carbon neutral by funding offsets to reduce greenhouse gases and gradually transitioning into using 100% renewable energy. Google declared its operations carbon neutral in 2017 and has promised that all data centers and campuses will be carbon-free by 2030. Facebook stated that it would eliminate its carbon footprint in 2020 and expand that commitment to all the organization’s suppliers within 10 years. Amazon ordered 100,000 electric delivery vehicles and has promised that its sprawling logistics operations will arrive at net-zero emissions by 2040.

Despite these promising developments, many experts say that nations and businesses are still not changing fast enough. While carbon neutrality pledges are a step in the right direction, they don’t mean that organizations have actually stopped using fossil fuels. And despite the intentions expressed by Paris Agreement signatories, total annual carbon dioxide emissions reached a record high of 33.5 gigatons in 2018, led by China, the U.S., and India.

“The problem is that what we need to achieve is so daunting and taxes our resources so much that we end up with a situation that’s much, much worse than if we had focused our efforts,” Ferraro said.

Recent Breakthroughs in Renewable Power

An environmentally sustainable infrastructure requires innovations in transportation, industry, and utilities. Fortunately, researchers in the private and public sectors are laying the groundwork for an energy transformation that could make the renewable energy of the future more widely accessible and efficient.

Some of the most promising areas that have seen major developments in recent years include:

Driving Electric Vehicles Forward

The technical capabilities of electric cars are taking great strides, and the popularity of these vehicles is also growing among consumers. At Tesla’s September 22, 2020 Battery Day event, Elon Musk announced the company’s plans for new batteries that can be manufactured at a lower cost while offering greater range and increased power output.

The electric car market has seen continuing expansion in Europe even during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks in large part to generous government subsidies. Market experts once predicted that it would take until 2025 for electric car prices to reach parity with gasoline-powered vehicles. However, growing sales and new battery technology could greatly speed up that timetable.

Cost-Effective Storage For Renewable Power

One of the biggest hurdles in the way of embracing 100% renewable energy has been the need to adjust supply based on demand. Utilities providers need efficient, cost-effective ways of storing solar and wind power so that electricity is available regardless of weather conditions. Most electricity storage currently takes place in pumped-storage hydropower plants, but these facilities require multiple reservoirs at different elevations.

Pumped thermal electricity storage is an inexpensive solution to get around both the geographic limitations of hydropower and high costs of batteries. This approach, which is currently being tested, uses a pump to convert electricity into heat so it can be stored in a material like gravel, water, or molten salts and kept in an insulated tank. A heat engine converts the heat back into electricity as necessary to meet demand.

Unlocking the Potential of Microgrids

Microgrids are another area of research that could prove invaluable to the future of power. These systems can operate autonomously from a traditional electrical grid, delivering electricity to homes and business even when there’s an outage. By using this approach with power sources like solar, wind, or biomass, microgrids can make renewable energy transmission more efficient.

Researchers in public policy and engineering are exploring how microgrids could serve to bring clean electricity to remote, rural areas. One early effort in the Netherlands found that communities could become 90% energy self-sufficient, and solar-powered microgrids have now also been employed in Indian villages. This technology has enormous potential to change the way we access electricity, but lowering costs is an essential step to bring about wider adoption and encourage residents to use the power for purposes beyond basic lighting and cooling.

Advancing the Future of Sustainable Energy

There’s still monumental work to be done in developing the next generation of renewable energy solutions as well as the policy framework to eliminate greenhouse gases from our atmosphere. An analysis from the International Energy Agency found that the technologies currently on the market can only get the world halfway to the reductions needed for net-zero emissions by 2050.

To make it the rest of the way, researchers and policymakers must still explore possibilities such as:
- Devise and implement large-scale carbon capture systems that store and use carbon dioxide without polluting the atmosphere
- Establish low-carbon electricity as the primary power source for everyday applications like powering vehicles and heat in buildings
- Grow the use of bioenergy harnessed from plants and algae for electricity, heat, transportation, and manufacturing
- Implement zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells as a way to power transportation and utilities
However, even revolutionary technology will not do the job alone. Ambitious goals for renewable energy solutions and long-term cuts in emissions also demand enhanced international cooperation, especially among the biggest polluters. That’s why Jonas Nahm of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies has focused much of his research on China’s sustainable energy efforts. He has also argued that the international community should recognize China’s pivotal role in any long-term plans for fighting climate change.

As both the leading emitter of carbon dioxide and the No. 1 producer of wind and solar energy, China is uniquely positioned to determine the future of sustainability initiatives. According to Nahm, the key to making collaboration with China work is understanding the complexities of the Chinese political and economic dynamics. Because of conflicting interests on the national and local levels, the world’s most populous nation continues to power its industries with coal even while President Xi Jinping advocates for fully embracing green alternatives.

China’s fraught position demonstrates that economics and diplomacy could prove to be just as important as technical ingenuity in creating a better future. International cooperation must guide a wide-ranging economic transformation that involves countries and organizations increasing their capacity for producing and storing renewable energy.

It will take strategic thinking and massive investment to realize a vision of a world where utilities produce 100% renewable power while rows of fully electric cars travel on smart highways. To meet the challenge of our generation, it’s more crucial than ever to develop leaders who understand how to apply the latest research to inform policy and who can take charge of globe-spanning sustainable energy initiatives.

About the MA in Sustainable Energy (online) Program at Johns Hopkins SAIS

Created by Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies faculty with input from industry experts and employers, the Master of Arts in Sustainable Energy (online) program is tailored for the demands of a rapidly evolving sector. As a top global university, Johns Hopkins is uniquely positioned to equip graduates with the skills they need to confront global challenges in the transition to renewable energy.

The MA in Sustainable Energy curriculum is designed to build expertise in finance, economics, and policy. Courses from our faculty of highly experienced researchers and practitioners prepare graduates to excel in professional environments including government agencies, utility companies, energy trade organizations, global energy governance organizations, and more. Students in the Johns Hopkins SAIS benefit from industry connections, an engaged network of more than 230,000 alumni, and high-touch career services.
Sustainable Energy Policy Insights From JHU Students
May 5, 2021 11:22 am Comments Off on Sustainable Energy Policy Insights From JHU Students
Powering a cleaner, more environmentally friendly future requires advanced problem solving and rigorous data analysis. The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) community is dedicated to building up renewable energy infrastructure and proactively confronting the effects of climate change. Our faculty not only engage in groundbreaking research and advise policy makers, but also connect our students with the resources to start making a difference.

We developed the Master of Arts in Sustainable Energy (online) to prepare the next generation of leaders in the field with quantitative and qualitative insights from economics, finance, and public policy. The research that comes out of the rigorous coursework in this program can yield valuable data, innovative projects, and proposals for regulatory changes. Two of our students produced exceptional analyses that were spotlighted by the Initiative for Sustainable Energy Policy, a Johns Hopkins research group focused on finding practical solutions to fulfill both environmental and economic objectives:

Rethinking Hydropower Regulations

MA in Sustainable Energy student Hannah Cohen presented evidence that the U.S. federal government should reform a hydropower permitting and licensing process that can currently stretch out for as long as 10 years. For her project, Cohen examined how the regulatory situation and outcomes have evolved since the passage of the Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act in 2013. That law set out to encourage more small-scale hydropower projects through measures such as doubling the capacity eligibility requirement for a license exemption.

Cohen gathered data from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reveal that the changes made by the 2013 law were not sufficient to expand development. In fact, the number of new license exemptions actually went down over the following seven years.

A major reason why developments have been slow is that the exemptions mainly serve to help existing license holders avoid the requirement to undergo relicensing after 50 years. For the most part, developers undertaking new projects must still go through a long and often prohibitively expensive administrative process.

“In the end, my research supports that idea that regulatory inefficiencies of the existing hydropower licensing process must be addressed through more comprehensive reform,” Cohen explained. “Policies that skirt around these core issues – such as HREA’s expansion of the qualifying capacity for conventional license exemptions – will likely continue to fall short of spurring the small hydropower development needed to support a sustainable U.S. energy future.”

Promoting the Value of Geothermal Energy

In addition to attending the Johns Hopkins SAIS as a MA in Sustainable Energy degree candidate, Audrey Vinant-Tang manages energy procurement and sustainability at ViacomCBS. She applied her knowledge of renewable power to evaluate how the U.S. is incorporating geothermal resources into efforts to achieve a carbon-free grid.

By examining figures from the Department of Energy, Vinant-Tang found that geothermal energy is being vastly underutilized for electricity generation. Her research demonstrated several reasons why this form of sustainable power has not been more widely adopted.

As in the case of hydropower, one key factor is the time required to obtain a permit, a process that can take seven to 10 years. Additionally, developers have insufficient information about the locations of resources due to outdated mapping data. Perhaps most importantly, investments in geothermal energy are expensive.

“Cost tends to be the primary barrier for most technology adoption, including geothermal, and the additional barriers of long permitting times, lack of resource certainty, and underfunding of R&D contribute further to the inflated cost of geothermal,” Vinant-Tang wrote.

One solution may lie in leveraging the lobbying power that’s been cultivated by the oil and gas industries. Vinant-Tang suggested that advocacy from these firms could result in expediting the environmental review process for geothermal developers through categorical exclusions, rigorous new surveys of the available resources, and research into economies of scale that could make drilling more cost-effective.

It takes leadership to develop strategies for making full use of renewable resources and establish public policies that will usher in a world of carbon-free power. Students who complete the MA in Sustainable Energy program from Johns Hopkins graduate with the advanced knowledge and skills they need to confront these issues while working at government agencies, nonprofits, private businesses, or a variety of other settings. By learning from our faculty of world-class experts, our students find opportunities to make an impact on the world’s energy challenges.

About the MA in Sustainable Energy (online) Program at Johns Hopkins SAIS

Created by Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies faculty with input from industry experts and employers, the sustainable energy master’s program is tailored for the demands of this rapidly evolving sector. We face international challenges in the transition to renewable energy, and, as a top global university, Johns Hopkins is uniquely positioned to help graduates develop the skills they need to thrive.

The MA in Sustainable Energy curriculum is designed to build expertise in finance, economics, and policy. Our faculty of highly experienced researchers and practitioners help graduates prepare to excel in professional environments including government agencies, utility companies, energy trade organizations, global energy governance organizations, and more. Students in the Johns Hopkins SAIS benefit from industry connections, a highly engaged network of 230,000+ alumni, and high-touch career services.
Jonas Nahm Testifies Before Congress on a Green Recovery From COVID-19
March 31, 2021 11:55 am Comments Off on Jonas Nahm Testifies Before Congress on a Green Recovery From COVID-19
With vaccine supplies ramping up, it seems an end to the COVID-19 global pandemic is finally in sight. But even after the coronavirus is under control, the United States and nations around the world will confront serious economic challenges as they strive to deal with high unemployment and help industries like food service recover. One of the many questions facing leaders is how they can rebuild in a more environmentally friendly way that continues the recent drop in greenhouse gas emissions, rather than simply reverting to the pre-COVID status quo.

On September 23, 2020, four experts testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and the Environment to present their recommendations for a Green Recovery Plan that would put the nation on a more sustainable path forward. Johns Hopkins University Assistant Professor of Energy, Resources, and Environment Jonas Nahm argued that the federal government has a chance to drive clean energy innovation and long-term emissions reductions.

“The United States should use the economic recovery as an opportunity to improve domestic competitiveness, including in segments of clean energy supply chains that are currently not well supported in the U.S. economy,” he explained.

According to Nahm, the best way forward from COVID-19 involves prioritizing a wide range of new initiatives that will put the U.S. at the forefront of decarbonization. He recommended expanded financial backing for clean energy manufacturing, increased spending on vocational and technical training and regulatory changes to bolster the market for green technologies.

Nahm offered lessons for planning the green recovery gleaned from initiatives already undertaken in the European Union and Asia. He suggested that the U.S. should follow the examples of countries like Germany and France by tying stimulus spending and changes in the tax code to clean energy investments. Nahm has previously advocated for enhanced cooperation with China in addressing climate change, and he now sees this relationship as crucial to quickly develop the supply chains that are necessary for the next generation of sustainable infrastructure.

“Addressing grand challenges like climate change will require fundamental advances in technology, where the United States is uniquely equipped to be at the global frontier,” Nahm said. “This means continuing to support the core strengths of U.S. firms and universities — the invention of new technologies — through investments in basic and applied research.”

Watch the full video of the hearing below, featuring testimony from Nahm as well as Rachel Kyte, the dean of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University; John E. Morton a partner at the Pollination Project and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council; and Dalibor Rohac, a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

Click here to read the full text of Jonas Nahm’s testimony.

About the MA in Sustainable Energy (online) Program at Johns Hopkins SAIS

Created by Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies faculty with input from industry experts and employers, the sustainable energy master’s program is tailored for the demands of this rapidly evolving sector. We face international challenges in the transition to renewable energy, and, as a top global university, Johns Hopkins is uniquely positioned to help graduates develop the skills they need to thrive.

The MA in Sustainable Energy curriculum is designed to build expertise in finance, economics, and policy. Our faculty of highly experienced researchers and practitioners help prepare graduates to excel in professional environments including government agencies, utility companies, energy trade organizations, global energy governance organizations, and more. Students in the Johns Hopkins SAIS benefit from industry connections, a highly engaged network of 230,000+ alumni, and high-touch career services.
JHU Professor Jonas Nahm Discusses China’s Clean Energy Transition
September 24, 2020 3:21 pm Comments Off on JHU Professor Jonas Nahm Discusses China’s Clean Energy Transition
China is responsible for a greater share of the carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere than any other country. The International Energy Agency estimated that China emitted 9.5 metric gigatons of the greenhouse gas in 2018, accounting for more than a quarter of the global total of 33.5 gigatons. However, China has also undertaken ambitious clean energy initiatives with the potential to make a major impact in the global movement to eliminate dependence on fossil fuels.

To address the urgent dangers of climate change, policymakers, industry leaders, advocates, and scientists around the world must account for China’s influence on the future of energy production. In a video presented by MIT Technology Review, Jonas Nahm — assistant professor in Energy, Resources, and Environment at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies — offered insights into the complexities of this ongoing transformation.

Nahm researches how state policies and actions affect the transition to clean energy, examining efforts at building a renewable power future through the lens of his interest in globalized industries. In his September 2018 talk at the annual EmTech conference, he discussed the innovations that could make the world’s most populous nation an effective leader in addressing climate change, the challenges that have slowed progress, and the possibilities for international cooperation.

Jonas Nahm On Clean Energy in China

China plays a unique role on the world stage when it comes to both fueling and combating climate change. The nation’s industries are responsible for high levels of pollution, but China is also the leading producer of solar and wind energy and was a vocal party in the 2016 Paris Agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Drawing from his background in studying political science, Nahm contemplated how a state under one-party rule can vocally commit to green energy efforts while simultaneously ramping up coal consumption. He argued that, despite President Xi Jinping’s stature as paramount leader, China has not followed through on achieving his climate goals due to internal conflicts among competing interests.

“China is not monolithic,” Nahm explained. “There are many groups within the Chinese government that are fighting for different things. The key to understanding why we get these contradictory outcomes is because China is many states really, many governments, and they are not all aligned in terms of how they think about these issues and what they fight for.”

According to Nahm, the administrative structure that guides Chinese energy policy at a national level is extremely fragmented, and Xi’s efforts to achieve unification have been slow. Meanwhile, provincial governments are incentivized to pursue short-term economic growth by using locally produced power, regardless of the consequences for the environment and public health, rather than consider the long-term implications of their actions.

Nahm concluded by pushing back against reductive portrayals of China’s energy policies from U.S. media and politicians. He emphasized the possibilities for innovative thinkers and leaders in the sustainable energy sector to engage with China in scaling up renewable power solutions.

“Let’s not have false expectations about what’s going to happen there, but let’s be very realistic and specific about the kinds of collaborations that are possible,” he said. “Look under the hood, understand how the Chinese system works and realize we have very complementary skills in a lot of these areas.”

About the MA in Sustainable Energy (online) Program at Johns Hopkins SAIS

Provided by a top global university, the Master of Arts in Sustainable Energy (online) at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) was created to help professionals gain the expertise needed to answer questions about how we can become more effective in our transition to sustainable energy. Students have the opportunity to improve their base of knowledge and their critical thinking skills, helping them rise to leadership positions in their respective fields. This program equips graduates with the interdisciplinary expertise needed to lead energy transitions that are technically sound, economically viable, and socially equitable.

Developed with input from expert faculty, industry leaders and sustainable energy employers, the program and its courses are taught by highly experienced researchers and professionals. Students in the Johns Hopkins SAIS benefit not only from the expertise and industry connections of our faculty but also from our network of 230,000+ alumni.

Disclaimer: This content has not been peer reviewed and is for informational purposes only.
JHU Launches Two Online Master’s Degrees for Global Risk and Sustainable Energy
June 8, 2020 3:49 pm Comments Off on JHU Launches Two Online Master’s Degrees for Global Risk and Sustainable Energy
WASHINGTON, DC – The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) announced the launch of two online master’s degree programs. The MA in Global Risk and MA in Sustainable Energy allow students to engage with and learn from experts at the forefront of their respective fields, while also joining the professional and academic community of one of the top universities in the world.

The programs give working professionals the opportunity to earn a distinguished degree while balancing their professional and personal lives. Both programs have been designed by Johns Hopkins SAIS faculty with feedback from industry experts and employers to ensure graduates can build and expand the career skills that are in highest demand.

The next start date for both programs is August 31, 2020, and applications are currently open. Read below for more information about each program or click the links below to request information:
- MA in Global Risk (online)
- MA in Sustainable Energy (online)
“These degree offerings represent a new era for the school in our leadership of the practice and study of international relations,” said Filipe Campante, Johns Hopkins SAIS Vice Dean for Education and Academic Affairs. “With additional online programs under development, the school is demonstrating its capability to transition its reputable academic programs to align with areas of study that are particularly relevant to practitioners in today’s global marketplace.”

Master of Arts in Global Risk (online)

The discipline of risk management is more complex than ever. In the last decade, the growth of globalization, uncertainties related to trade policy and rapid advancements in technology have completely reshaped the face of the global economy. Additional challenges, such as regional differences in public policy and the sharp increase in natural disasters, have highlighted the need for risk management experts who have a global perspective and who can think about risk differently.

The MA in Global Risk (online) is designed to help graduates solve these challenges and more readily adapt to new risks as they emerge. With a curriculum covering both the quantitative and qualitative tools of risk management, the global risk master’s program helps graduates thrive in a complex, international field.

Through rigorous coursework, students gain in-depth knowledge in:
- Global economics and international trade
- Approaches and frameworks for understanding risk
- Adapting risk management strategies in dynamic environments
- Primary risk management challenges and opportunities in different areas of the world
In addition to taking expertly designed online courses, students have the opportunity to get hands-on experience through two, one-of-a-kind residencies. The first is held in Bologna, Italy over one week and gives students the chance to connect with their cohorts and start the development of their capstone projects. The second, in Washington DC, provides students with the opportunity to present their capstone projects. After completing the second residency, students in the MA in Global Risk (online) program will participate in the Johns Hopkins SAIS commencement ceremony.

“If you want to make the world a better place, you have to learn how to anticipate the consequences of specific actions or reactions, how to build scenarios out of seemingly unconnected events, and how to recognize which pathways for development are more likely than others. The Master of Arts in Global Risk will help you take advantage of the many important insights available from economics, history, and political science, in order to make sense of the world around you and to plan more effectively for the future.” Professor Erik Jones, Johns Hopkins SAIS

To gain more insight into how a graduate degree in Global Risk builds leaders for change, visit risk.sais.jhu.edu/.

Master of Arts in Sustainable Energy (online)

As organizations and governments face the climate crisis, the demand for experts in sustainable energy who can help shape energy policy and implement sustainability initiatives continues to gain momentum globally.

The MA in Sustainable Energy (online) equips students with the skills needed to guide organizations toward adopting sustainable energy and assess the feasibility of procuring and leveraging alternative energy sources, given economic, policy and other regional factors. Students will also build the expertise needed to consult with national government and global energy governance organizations to develop policies that incentivize sustainable energy development.
- Provide students with advanced skills and knowledge to lead the global community to a decarbonized energy sector to help mitigate climate change.
- Introduce students to the economics of sustainable energy sources and the financing options available in the sector.
- Lead students to explore and understand the impact of international institutions and global governance in promoting sustainable energy and mitigating climate change.
- Help students develop a systemic view of the various parts of sustainable energy systems and its functions.
This program contains two in-person residencies in Washington DC. These one-of-kind experiences provide students with the opportunity to collaborate with their peers, meet industry experts and connect with the Johns Hopkins SAIS community. After the second residency, students enrolled in the MA in Sustainable Energy (online) program will participate in the Johns Hopkins SAIS commencement ceremony.

“Climate change is the foremost challenge of our time, and this graduate degree in sustainable energy is a timely and remarkable opportunity to explore the critical role sustainable energy plays in tackling this challenge. Whether you are in the public or private sector, this degree will provide you with the foundational knowledge and analytical framework to address a wide array of issues.” – Professor John Banks, Johns Hopkins SAIS

Johns Hopkins SAIS

A division of Johns Hopkins University, the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) is a global institution that offers students an international perspective on today’s critical issues. For 75 years, the school has produced great leaders, thinkers, and practitioners of international relations. Public leaders and private sector executives alike seek the counsel of the faculty, whose ideas and research inform and shape policy. Johns Hopkins SAIS offers a global perspective across three campus locations: Bologna, Italy; Nanjing, China; and Washington, DC The school’s interdisciplinary curriculum is strongly rooted in the study of international economics, international relations, and regional studies, preparing students to address multifaceted challenges in the world today.

Author Archives: actemplatestg

An Exceptional Time for a Career in Sustainable Energy

What Is the Outlook for Sustainable Energy Careers?

Where Can a Master’s in Sustainable Energy Take You?

Sectors and Organizations Include:

What Jobs Can You Get With a Master’s in Sustainable Energy?

Energy Project Manager

Sustainability Program Manager

Sustainability Specialist

Policy Analyst

Energy Analyst

About the MA in Sustainable Energy (online) Program at Johns Hopkins SAIS

Sources

What Is Renewable Energy?

What Is Sustainable Energy?

The Renewable Energy vs. Sustainable Energy Debate

About the MA in Sustainable Energy (online) Program at Johns Hopkins SAIS

Sources

Why did you choose the MA in Sustainable Energy (online) program?

How have you benefited from the program being online?

What stands out the most during your time in the program?

How has this program helped you with your professional goals?

What would you say to someone who is interested in enrolling in this program?

What Happened?

The Global Supply Chain Broke Apart

Fossil Fuels Gained Traction Again

Resources Diverted To Fighting the Coronavirus — and Recovery Spending Is Still Falling Short

The War in Ukraine Brought Further Disruption

What’s Next? Steps for Ensuring a Stronger Clean-Energy Future

Policies for Greener Recovery Spending

“Cooperate or Perish”

Support Innovation and Visionary Solutions

Time Is Running Out — We Need Highly Capable Energy Leaders

About the MA in Sustainable Energy (online) Program at Johns Hopkins SAIS

What’s in the Law?

Benefits for the Climate and the Economy

What’s Next in Climate Policy?

About the MA in Sustainable Energy (online) Program at Johns Hopkins SAIS

Current Trends in Sustainability

Recent Breakthroughs in Renewable Power

Driving Electric Vehicles Forward

Cost-Effective Storage For Renewable Power

Unlocking the Potential of Microgrids

Advancing the Future of Sustainable Energy

About the MA in Sustainable Energy (online) Program at Johns Hopkins SAIS

Rethinking Hydropower Regulations

Promoting the Value of Geothermal Energy

About the MA in Sustainable Energy (online) Program at Johns Hopkins SAIS

About the MA in Sustainable Energy (online) Program at Johns Hopkins SAIS

Jonas Nahm On Clean Energy in China

About the MA in Sustainable Energy (online) Program at Johns Hopkins SAIS

Master of Arts in Global Risk (online)

Master of Arts in Sustainable Energy (online)

Johns Hopkins SAIS