Energy Transition: Drivers, Impacts and Opportunities

In this course, you will explore what is driving the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy for electricity generation and how this transition is changing the global energy system. You will examine how the increased focus on renewable technologies affects industries, as well as the challenges and opportunities it creates, including how energy storage can help support electricity grid stability.

By the end of the course, you will understand the key drivers behind the energy transition, its consequences for the energy sector, and the challenges and opportunities associated with a changing energy system.

  • Duration:  1 Hour 
  • Language: English 
  • Level: Beginner
  • Cost: Free

Who it's for

This course is for anyone who wants to understand the global energy transition, its consequences and the challenges and opportunities arising from changes in the energy system.

Before you start: No previous knowledge required. 

What you'll  learn 

By the end, you'll be able to:  

  • Understand what is driving the global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy
  • Recognise how increasing renewable energy adoption is transforming industries and the energy sector
  • Identify the key challenges and opportunities associated with a changing energy system

Lesson breakdown 

• Lesson 1. Shifting from Fossil Fuels to Renewable Energy: Learn how the global energy sector has evolved since the 1970s and the key factors driving the transition to renewable energy.
• Lesson 2. Consequences of the New Energy Shift: Learn how the growth of renewable energy is reshaping the energy sector and impacting industries and society.
• Lesson 3. Renewable Energy Challenges and Opportunities: Learn how energy storage supports a stable electricity grid and the opportunities it creates for the energy transition.

What you'll get

A Certificate of Completion from InnoEnergy Skills Institute once you finish all lessons, knowledge checks, and the final assessment with a score of 60% or higher. Get a shareable certificate to highlight your learning.      

Frequently asked questions

Is this course really free? 

Yes. The lessons, final assessment and certificate are all free. You won’t need to provide any payment details when you register. 

Do I need any experience? 

No. The course is suitable for complete beginners, as well as people already working in renewable energy who want to broaden their knowledge. 

Will this course help me get a job? 

This course provides a useful introduction to the energy transition and can help build your understanding if you're considering a career in energy, sustainability, or related fields.

What is the format of this course and how long does it take? 

This course is 100% online and self-paced. The course is around one hour, including the final assessment. 

Related Courses

Created by:

InnoEnergy Skills Institute

InnoEnergy Skills Institute equips businesses in the clean tech industry with the critical skills needed to thrive in a fast-evolving market. Through tailored upskilling solutions, it develops a future-ready workforce that drives innovation, competitiveness, and growth. As part of this mission, InnoEnergy Skills Institute runs the European Solar Academy on behalf of the European Commission. This project addresses the growing skills shortage across the solar photovoltaic (PV) value chain in Europe. By enabling large-scale upskilling and reskilling, the Academy supports industrial growth, strengthens Europe’s energy resilience and helps accelerate the transition to a net-zero economy.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. 

Course Experts

This course features insights from industry and academic experts. Featured in this course:

Tomas Kåberger

Professor of Industrial Energy Policy at Chalmers University of Technology, Tomas has extensive experience in the energy sector and serves as a chair and adviser to several companies and organisations across Europe and Asia.