Conference Description:

The objective of this course is to describe the critical role of energy systems in modern infrastructure. Water and food supply, transportation, governments, administrations, health, internet, communication channels, manufacturing of goods, banking and other sectors essentially depend on energy. Without energy, all these infrastructures cannot be operated. Hence, the energy sector is today’s most critical infrastructure. A failure in parts of the energy sector results in negative impact on other infrastructure systems - and may result in situations of disaster.

Oil is still a key energy source for the world, however many countries are highly dependent on imports. In the 1970s, our planet experienced this slightly for the first time (OPEC supply reduction). Is it better today? What happens if a revolution takes place in Saudi Arabia or in Russia? Up to now, the UCTE, the Continental European electricity grid has been one of the most reliable grids in the world. Over the last three years, instabilities have been observed. Investigations uncovered that a break-down would result in war-like consequences for the population. Are there options to avoid such effects?

The course provides deep insight into the whole energy system, how it works, the nature of risks and vulnerability. The reasons for potential failures are highlighted as well as the consequences of such incidents and the dramatic impacts on the civilized world. The course will also cover methods of reducing existing risks and provide security approaches as well as measures of mitigation.