Introduction to Energy in Global Development

Biomass powered heat exchanger built by the MIT D-Lab team and TEWDI Uganda staff. January 2020.
Biomass powered heat exchanger built by the MIT D-Lab team and TEWDI Uganda staff. January 2020.

Students survey energy technologies including solar wind and hydro power, cooking, indoor heating, irrigation, and agricultural productivity, through an international development context to impart energy literacy and common-sense applications. This course focuses on compact, robust, low-cost systems for meeting the needs of households and small business; and provides an overview of identifying user needs, assessing the suitability of specific technologies, and strategies for implementation in developing countries. Labs reinforce lecture material through hands-on activities including system assembly and testing. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

Teams & Projects

Students will work on team projects involving activities such as connecting with pre-selected community partners, product design, and analysis to continue the development of ongoing projects.

Travel & Funding

Optional summer fieldwork to East Africa or India may be available to test and implement the solutions developed during the semester.

Course Information

Instructor(s)
Semester Offered
Spring
Lecture Location
N51-310
Lecture Times
MW1-2:30 (lecture), F1-3 (lab)
Units (credit hours)
3-2-7
Class Size
20 Students
Grading
A/B/C/D/F
Course #
2.651 / EC.711 / EC.791 (G)