RES-ECON 499: Economics of the Renewable Energy Transition

Example syllabus only – exact content subject to change. Please see your instructor’s syllabus for the current term for your specific course’s guidelines

RESECON 499CA (3 credits) and 499DA (3 credits) ECONOMICS OF THE RENEWABLE ENERGY TRANSITION

Fall 2025/Spring 2026

HONORS THESIS SEMINAR

Department of Resource Economics and Commonwealth Honors College

Dr. Christine L. Crago

Office Hours: By appointment Office Location: 216 Stockbridge

Email: @email Phone: (413) 545-5738

Course Description:

Transitioning our energy system to one that is supplied primarily by clean and renewable energy sources is arguably one of the most important challenges of the 21st century. Modern society depends on reliable and affordable energy supply and energy markets affect all economic sectors including corporations and households. The success of the energy transition will depend on the development and deployment of new technology, as well as market mechanisms and policies to support this transition. This course will explore economic aspects of the renewable energy transition, including the costs and benefits of electricity from solar and wind, the environmental impact of energy consumption, and policies to support market growth and technology adoption. We will also cover topics related to equity in energy markets and how the renewable energy transition can contribute to social welfare and equity. Course content will also include topics related to research development, writing, and presentation. Students will develop research proposals in the Fall and complete their Honors Theses in the Spring.

Student Learning Objectives

In this course you will:

1. become knowledgeable about the energy sector and electricity markets
2. be equipped with analytical tools to examine economic and social problems related to the renewable energy transition
3. develop skills to conduct independent research including identifying a research question, writing a literature review, choosing and implementing appropriate methodology, presenting results, and organizing and writing a research paper
4. develop critical thinking skills as you engage with literature in your chosen area of research and as you engage with your peers’ research projects
5. develop oral and written presentation skills, including preparing poster and PowerPoint presentations

Overall Guidance for Your Honors Thesis

You will work with the course instructor to define a research question related to the energy transition and develop a research proposal in the fall semester. At the end of the spring semester, you will complete your Honors Thesis and submit a manuscript to the Commonwealth Honors College. A thesis manuscript is typically 35-50 pages in length. Formatting requirements can be found using this link. For additional guidance on the Honors Thesis see: https://www.umass.edu/honors/honors-thesis.

Course Text and Readings

Required readings will be posted on Moodle.

Optional references:

Bradford, T. (2018). The energy system: Technology, economics, markets, and policy. MIT Press.

Creswell J.W. and Creswell J.D. (2023). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches 6^th edition. SAGE Publications.

Course Policies

Attendance, Absences and Late Work

Attendance is graded. The class will meet as a group less frequently compared to the Fall semester, so it is important that you are present and ready to participate. You are allowed 1 absence without any reduction in your attendance grade. Please provide documentation when asking for an absence to be excused or for accommodation for missed classwork due to absence.

You are allowed to submit 1 homework (except for the Final Manuscript) late without any penalty. Late work may be accepted with a penalty of 5% for every day past the deadline, up to one week. Homework submitted one week after the due date will not be accepted. This policy does not apply to the final Thesis Proposal and Thesis Manuscript, which must be submitted by the due date.

Academic Integrity Statement

UMass Amherst is strongly committed to academic integrity, which is defined as completing all academic work without cheating, lying, stealing, or receiving unauthorized assistance from any other person, or using any source of information not appropriately authorized or attributed. As a community, we hold each other accountable and support each other’s knowledge and understanding of academic integrity. Academic dishonesty is prohibited in all programs of the University and includes but is not limited to: Cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, lying, and facilitating dishonesty, via analogue and digital means. Sanctions may be imposed on any student who has committed or participated in an academic integrity infraction. Any person who has reason to believe that a student has committed an academic integrity infraction should bring such information to the attention of the appropriate course instructor as soon as possible. All students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have read and acknowledged the Commitment to Academic Integrity and are knowingly responsible for completing all work with integrity and in accordance with the policy: (https://www.umass.edu/senate/book/academic-regulations-academic-integrity-policy)

Accommodation Policy

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is committed to providing an equal educational opportunity for all students. If you have a documented physical, psychological, or learning disability on file with Disability Services (DS), you may be eligible for reasonable academic accommodations to help you succeed in this course. If you have a documented disability that requires an accommodation, please notify me within the first two weeks of the semester so that we may make appropriate arrangements. For further information, please visit Disability Services (https://www.umass.edu/disability/)

AI-assisted Technology

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools such as ChatGPT may be used as an aid to your research work, but they must not replace your effort to direct your research process. For example, ChatGPT may be used as a brainstorming aid, or for grammar and spelling check. However, directly asking ChatGPT to answer assignment prompts and submitting ChatGPT generated answers is not allowed. If AI tools are used to obtain information used in submitted work, you are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the information provided and for properly crediting the sources of information.

EID Statement

I am committed to fostering a learning environment that is equitable, inclusive and diverse. I believe that perspectives from people of different backgrounds and identities enrich academic dialogue. If there is any way that I can enhance your learning experience and your ability to succeed in this course please reach out.

Health Policy

I recognize that there may be physical or mental challenges that are unique to each individual. Let us create an atmosphere of care and compassion by being aware of and sensitive to each other’s needs. We will adhere to the University’s health and safety policies. Please stay home if you are not feeling well. If you have other challenges affecting your academic performance, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Technology

Use of cell phones is not permitted during lecture hours. Laptops may be used for taking notes; surfing the web during class hours is strongly discouraged.

Title IX Statement

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 that prohibits gender- based discrimination in educational settings that receive federal funds, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students, free from all forms of discrimination, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and retaliation. This includes interactions in person or online through digital platforms and social media. Title IX also protects against discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion,

or related conditions, including recovery. There are resources here on campus to support you. A summary of the available Title IX resources (confidential and non-confidential) can be found at the following link: https://www.umass.edu/titleix/resources. You do not need to make a formal report to access them. If you need immediate support, you are not alone. Free and confidential support is available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week / 365 days a year at the SASA Hotline 413-545-0800.

RESECON 499DA Spring 2026

Lecture: MW 4:00-5:15 (305 Holdsworth)
Course Website: Available on Canvas
Requirements:

1. Submission of Thesis Manuscript to instructor and Commonwealth Honors College
2. Presentation of research at the Undergraduate Research Conference
3. Participation in class/group discussions and peer assessment activities

Grading

The final grade for RES-ECON 499DA will be calculated as follows:
Thesis Manuscript – 70%
URC Poster (5%) and Final Presentation (5%) – 10% (Quality of presentation materials and delivery)
Attendance – 10%
Class Participation – 10%

Final letter grades will be given according to the following:

Important Dates

• Feb 4 - Last day to add or drop class with no record
• Feb 16 - President’s Day, no class
• Feb 17 – (Tue) Monday class schedule will be followed
• Mar 16-20 - Spring break
• April 2 - Last day to drop with 'W'
• April 20 – Patriot’s Day, no class
• May 6 – Last class meeting

Lecture Topics and Tentative Schedule (See Canvas for up-to-date course calendar.) The schedule below focuses on lecture topics and deadlines related to the thesis project. I will also cover energy topics throughout the semester as time allows.