This module provides you with comprehensive knowledge of the energy industry and the influence of innovative technologies such as hydrogen and renewable energy sources on decarbonisation.
You will not only gain a holistic overview of energy systems, but also the necessary know-how for techno-economic decision-making in the context of the energy transition, which can be applied in both public and private organisations.
Dates and Deadlines
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Start date: September 2025
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Application deadline: August 2025
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Course dates:
Online phase: September - October 2025
In-person phase: October - October 2025
Transfer phase: October - November 2025
Quick facts
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Certificate: TU Graz certificate
- ECTS credit points: 5
- Language of instruction: English/German
- Participation fees: 1.500 Euro (VAT free)
These fees do not include travel, accommodation and catering costs - Course location: TU Graz and online
- Curriculum (German)
Application
Please send an e-mail to: helmut.aschbacher@tugraz.at
Contents
Fundamentals of the electricity industry
- Liberalisation of the electricity markets (Austria, Europe) and regulation
- Electricity markets/electricity trading (OTC; spot and futures markets; exchanges)
- Development and structure of electricity prices (energy costs, grid utilisation prices, system services)
- Influence of the energy transition on the electricity industry
Fundamentals of modelling and optimisation for electricity industry issues
- Formulating and solving electricity industry issues through optimisation
- Standard problems in the electricity industry (transport, optimisation of power plant use)
- Duality and economic interpretation
- Simulation models in the electricity industry (description and practical application)
Energy systems and innovation
- Definition of innovation and impact on society
- Innovative technologies and energy efficiency: hydrogen (production, transport and utilisation), storage technologies, DSM, heat pumps, renewable energies (solar PV, wind), biomass
- Energy communities
Teaching and learning methods
This course takes place in 3 phases:
Online phase: In the online phase, you will acquire fundamental knowledge through a process of self-study. This is done by referencing a combination of articles, literature on the topic, learning videos and taking advantage of other small learning offers. You can independently choose when and where you study. In order to ask questions and exchange information with lecturers and other course participants, you can freely access the TU Graz learning platform "TeachCenter".
Before the online phase begins, a synchronous online session (e.g. by using Webex) will be held with the lecturer to provide an easy introduction to the module content. Every week, a synchronous online session with the lecturer is held, which enables you to reflect on the content and to ask any questions you may still have through a direct exchange.
Attendance phase: Based on what you learned in the online phase, you will deepen your knowledge in course units and receive personal support from experts on site. You have the opportunity to discuss, reflect upon, further expand, and apply the knowledge you have learned in the context of case study examples. Students who cannot be on site for professional reasons can participate in the courses via the online conference system (e.g. by using Webex).
Transfer phase: This phase takes place individually or in a team. Here, you will use the knowledge you have acquired to work on questions and problems from your company context. In this phase, you also receive support from experts.
Target group
This course is aimed at
Specialists and managers
- of the electricity industry and the energy sector (state and non-state energy companies)
- of industrial companies and other sectors who are involved in energy management tasks within their organisation, e.g. Project managers and coordinators of transformation projects
- of technical, commercial and/or strategic decision-makers of authorities and institutions involved in energy policy, energy research and the energy industry
Consultants and advisors
- of all industries and sectors that have or want to focus their consulting activities on the (digital) energy transition
Alumni of university courses at TU Graz (certificate and master's programmes
- Hydropower
- Sustainable Construction
Contact
Helmut ASCHBACHER
Dr.
TU Graz Life Long Learning
Phone: +43 316 873 4943
helmut.aschbacher@tugraz.at
