Economics of Energy and the Environment
Econ 3391, Boston College
Prof. Richard Sweeney
Overview
This course provides an introduction to the economics of energy, with an emphasis on the implications for environmental policy. Modern life is completely dependent on cheap, abundant, reliable energy. Our current energy supply is also economically inefficient and environmentally unsustainable. Over the course of the semester, we will explore how economics can help us pursue these two goals: cheap reliable energy and transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Course Calendar
This list is tentative and subject to change. Defer to Canvas for assignment due dates.
| Date | Topic |
|---|---|
| 9/1 | Course intro |
| 9/3 | Markets and market failures |
| 9/8 | Pigouvian taxes + SCC |
| 9/10 | Dynamic efficiency |
| 9/15 | Incidence |
| 9/17 | Estimating elasticities |
| 9/22 | Green subsidies |
| 9/24 | Subsidy targeting |
| 9/29 | Intro to EE Gap |
| 10/1 | EE Gap Continued |
| 10/6 | Measuring policy impact |
| 10/8 | Weatherization wars |
| 10/13 | No class - Monday schedule |
| 10/15 | Midterm |
| 10/20 | Intro to electricity markets |
| 10/22 | Start Energy Market Game |
| 10/27 | Game checkin + Market power |
| 10/29 | Investment |
| 11/3 | Time varying prices |
| 11/5 | Recovering fixed costs |
| 11/10 | Rooftop solar |
| 11/12 | Utility regulation |
| 11/17 | Has deregulation reduced costs? |
| 11/19 | Batteries |
| 11/24 | Review |
| 11/26 | No class - Thanksgiving |
| 12/1 | AI + Data Centers |
| 12/3 | AI + Data Centers |
| 12/8 | Hedonics + Energy Infrastructure |
| 12/10 | Hedonics + Energy Infrastructure |
| 12/15 | Final Exam Section I |
| 12/17 | Final Exam Section II |