The objective of ESD.126 is to continue the learning processes begun in ESD.11 but to focus on a specific area of interest. ESD.126, "Energy Systems and Economic Development" focuses on the economic restructuring of the energy industries in selected countries. The class will focus on the worldwide trend toward privatization of infrastructure operations and investment in the energy sector with particular attention to natural gas and electricity. We will spend only a limited amount of time on non-commercial energy sources, focusing instead on the commercial supply (and demand) alternatives and their environmental and economic impacts.
 
The case study component of ESD.126 will focus on a detailed evaluation of the privatization/restructuring of the ASEAN region. Students will work in teams to develop a thorough understanding of the processes and progress of each of the selected nations toward restructuring of their energy sector from governmentally controlled to private sector. Assignments throughout the course will focus on both technology and policy decisions that affect energy sector development.

The energy sector worldwide has entered into a phase that is being described alternatively as deregulation or privatization depending on the paradigm that is being left behind. For nations with national, centralized electric and gas utility systems the more appropriate term is privatization. For countries with heavily regulated, privately owned and operated utilities, the appropriate term is restructuring or deregulation. ESD.126 will look at the technical policy aspects of restructuring and evaluate, through the case studies what alternatives are realistically available for increased market participation.