Geo-resources for the Future (GEO - 15EC)

For the energy transition we need energy and raw materials, including many critical raw materials. Ultimately, much of this needs to come from Geo-resources. Many people consider with the word "geo-resources" only the petrol that still drives many of our cars and busses or the gas that warms our houses. However, the topic is much broader: it is also the geothermal energy that will heat Delft campus sustainably from the winter of 2025-2026 onwards (and in many other places), it is CO2 or H2 that is stored under ground to counterbalance carbon emissions or balance the electricty grid, and it is the critical raw materials that are used for solar cells, wind turbines, electric motors, as well as in our mobile phones. Recycling alone will not be enough to source sufficient material to keep the energy transition running - so what would be the best - and ethically correct - way to source what we need to keep our society going?

We are facing challenges: Increasing CO2 emissions are causing climate change and call for an energy transition towards renewable energy sources. In addition, the supplies of fossil fuels and minerals are limited and their availability and prices strongly depend on global politics. In order to tackle this complex societal challenge, various viewpoints have to be considered. In this Minor, you will learn about the various disciplines that are involved in a responsible exploitation and trading of geo-resources and practice their integration. You will work on economic, environmental and social aspects that are needed to achieve a ‘licence to operate’. How is it done today and what do we need to change tomorrow? What do people mean when they talk about a "just" energy transition, and the tension between the "Global North" and the "Global South"?

This multi-disciplinary Leiden-Delft-Erasmus minor is offered in collaboration with Leiden University and Erasmus University Rotterdam. Education may take place at several locations but most of it will be at TU Delft. Everything is taught in English, and no specific prior knowledge is requested. This minor is all about active participation in group work and interactive work forms such as debates, games and workshops. You will learn to work in teams of diverse background and discipline, and there is a strong focus on soft skills, i.e. writing and presenting.

After this minor the student will:

• Get a taste of all disciplines involved in responsible exploitation of geo-resources. Geo-resources are not to be let to the geologists – they are an issue of social scientists, economists, politicians, and environmentalists.

• Know the complex nature of extracting and trading geo-resources and what is actually needed to do this responsibly.

• Know how the topic of circular economy links to geo-resources.

• Know the technological, institutional and economical value chain per geo-resource, including historical knowledge.

• know the impact of climate policies, consequences for fossil fuels and subsidies

• Hear stories from the real world and discuss with experts in the field.

Make sure to register to the correct variant of this joint-minor. After the registration is closed you cannot change this anymore. The 15EC (Q1) variant is mainly for EUR students. Students are encouraged to register for the full 30EC (Q1+Q2) minor.

Registration for this thematic minor is on a first-come, first-served basis and available places. (No lottery draw). Interested in this minor, read the whole registration procedure at https://www.tudelft.nl/minor.

Student at Leiden University, TU Delft or Erasmus University Rotterdam? There is no prior knowledge needed for this minor.

Student at another educational institution? Please contact the minor coordinator, Anne.Pluymakers@tudelft.nl

For additional information on this minor, visit the TU Delft https://www.leiden-delft-erasmus.nl/en/education/minors.

For questions, feel free to contact the minor coordinator, Anne.Pluymakers@tudelft.nl

Education methods:

• Hear stories from the real world and discuss with experts in the field.

• Excursion

• Build a Wiki

• Write an essay on a pressing problem (with prior essay writing workshop)

• Participate in debates

• Group project

Minor Assessment: There are four courses with each their own assessment. Exact details will be announced during the first lecture and on Brightspace.