Energy Systems Analysis

This lecture focuses on understanding the impacts of energy systems, renewable energies, and the infrastructure supporting them. It delves into the decision-making process for industrial systems, aiming to achieve net-zero energy usage by transitioning away from fossil fuels. The lecture covers the importance of considering the needs of society, the interconnections within energy systems, and the necessity of sustainable decision-making over the long term. It also discusses the concept of social cost of CO2 emissions and the need for new sustainability metrics to account for environmental impacts. The instructor emphasizes the importance of life cycle analysis in evaluating the environmental footprint of products and services, highlighting the complexities and trade-offs involved in sustainable decision-making.