Professor Florian Steinke: The idea for the course arose from student demand to analyze and understand the complex process of energy transformation from both a political science and technical perspective. We took this up. Based on our joint research with Professor Michèle Knodt and Professor Stefan Niessen as well as our work in the E+E research field and the “Integrated Energy Systems” profile topic, the three of us and our respective teams developed the “Shaping the Energy Transition” event a year in advance.

Professor Stefan Niessen: Over the course of the module, students take on an increasingly active role. In the lecture part, they are in the classic role of students. They absorb information. In the seminar part, they take a critical look at studies, question the accuracy of the statements and the interests of the authors and clients. Finally, in the energy transition game, the students take on a creative role. Interdisciplinary teams of five students each make investment and trading decisions in five-year stages over the period from 2020 to 2045 from the perspective of electricity producers, industrial companies and private households.

And every five years, they choose from three political parties, two of which must form a coalition. The elected government then determines the political framework conditions (such as taxes, subsidies, bans, new debt) for the next five years. A computer simulation then calculates the resulting costs, profits or losses, taxes and household satisfaction and, last but not least, CO2 emissions.

Although the game still provides for many simplifications compared to reality, only a few teams manage to achieve climate neutrality by 2045, even though we play in a constructive game mode in the first round, in which all players share their information and consider together what the best decisions are. In the second round, the players then act selfishly in favor of their respective roles. In this mode, no team has ever succeeded in achieving the climate targets.

Professor Michèle Knodt: The interdisciplinary nature of the course is reflected above all in the collaboration between students from different departments. Engineering and political scientists work together on the challenges of the energy transition. Both technical and political topics are covered in the lectures and seminars, and these disciplines are brought together in the simulation game. The students benefit from an in-depth understanding of the other discipline, which makes the collaboration in mixed teams particularly valuable. This interdisciplinary approach also makes it clear that the energy transition can only be successfully implemented through cooperation between various scientific and social stakeholders.

Professor Florian Steinke: Diversity is a decisive factor for us, as the energy transition is a global challenge that requires different perspectives and ideas. A diverse group of students – be it in terms of gender, nationality or professional background – enriches the discussions with different perspectives and promotes innovative approaches to solutions. Our goal of a successful energy transformation on a global level also requires a wide variety of people to be able to work well together in practice. We are already practicing this on a small scale here.

Professor Stefan Niessen: The course's recipe for success lies in the close integration of theory and practice. The students can apply their knowledge directly in the energy turnaround game, which makes the theoretical content tangible. In addition, interdisciplinary cooperation and the practical learning format are decisive factors. The combination of lectures, seminars and the serious game offers students a unique opportunity to get to grips with the energy transition. They particularly appreciate the practical insights and the opportunity to make decisions and see their consequences in a protected environment. This type of learning remains a lasting memory.