Studium Generale: Nachhaltigkeit

In this module, students deepen their understanding of renewable energy (RE) project finance and contractual frameworks by working with advanced tools and real-world case applications. The focus lies on financial modelling and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), which are central to evaluating project bankability and structuring long-term energy sales.

Topics include:

Renewable Energy Project Evaluator

• Introduction to the RE Project Evaluator financial modeling tool
• Inputting and analyzing project, technology, and financial parameters
• Structuring debt and loans, and evaluating project viability using financial output data

Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)

• Definition and basic objectives of PPAs
• Market drivers and types of PPAs
• Institutional prerequisites to conclude PPAs
• General PPA models
• PPA pricing and volume structures
• Allocation and management of price and risk components
• Impact of PPAs on project bankability and financing structures
• Contractual architecture of a sample PPA and PPA-related financial agreements

Objective:

Students will:

• Use the RE Project Evaluator tool to input data, analyze parameters, and assess project viability
• Understand the key concepts, types, and market drivers of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
• Explain institutional requirements and contractual structures related to PPAs
• Analyze PPA pricing, risk allocation, and their effects on project financing and bankability

This module provides students with applied skills in the areas of development, financing, and risk management for renewable energy projects.

Structure:

The module runs over two months and combines in-person teaching with self-study and group work. Students engage with lectures, exercises, and independent work on financial modelling and PPAs. A group challenge format forms the basis of the final assessment.

Workload: 75 h (40 h self-study; 35 h contact time)

• Renewable Energy Project Finance Due Diligence: Alexander Boensch 18 July 2026, 5-7pm,  online
• Power Purchasing Agreements: Alexander Boensch 02 July 2026, 5-7pm,  CS
• Online exam: 31 July 2026 / Re-exam 07 August 2026

Assessment:

• Online exam in energy challenge format, including draft, presentation, and final report submission

Literature:

Relevant materials will be provided via the e-learning platform (Moodle/RENAC).

Target Audience:

The module is designed for students with prior knowledge of RE project development, finance, and legal aspects, particularly in economics, business, engineering, or business law. Suitable for Bachelor students (higher semesters) and Master students.

Die Gentrifizierung bezeichnet den Verdrängungsprozess finanziell schwächerer Gesellschaftsgruppen und/oder ethnischer Minderheiten durch den Zuzug wohlhabenderer Bewohner und Geschäfte.  Einher geht dieser Prozess mit der Privatisierung öffentlicher Bereiche und einem Verlust gesellschaftlicher Vielfalt. In hyperkapitalisierten Städten wie London und New York lässt sich seit den 1970er/80er eine neue Dynamik beobachten: Dabei werden ganze Stadtviertel über Nacht von großen Baufirmen, unterstützt von internationalen Kapitalgesellschaften, „erneuert“ oder „revitalisiert“; die Stadtverwaltung tritt in diesem Spiel je nach Perspektive als hilfloser Verwaltungsapparat oder als wegbereitender Unterstützer auf. 

In diesem Seminar werden wir uns zum einen mit der Literatur zum Thema beschäftigen und einen kritischen Blick auf Gentrifizierung erarbeiten. Zum anderen wollen wir anhand vorhandener Rohdaten (Einkommensstruktur, Bildungsgrad, Mietpreise, etc.) selbst anhand der Beispiele Berlin und NYC diese Verdrängungsprozesse nachzeichnen.

Zielgruppe

Studierende aller Fachbereiche

In this module, students gain insights into the development, finance, and legal aspects of renewable energy (RE) projects. The focus lies on understanding the project life-cycle, evaluating investment feasibility, and applying financial and legal frameworks to real-world RE projects.

Topics include:

• Overview of renewable energy project development
• Key financial and non-financial aspects of renewable energy projects
• Life-cycle and development steps of RE projects
• Basic financial principles: time value of money, cost of capital
• Financial performance indicators for assessing RE investments
• Risk assessment and management tools
• Financing options for RE projects: equity, debt, and project finance structures
• SPV contract negotiation and business planning
• Bankability assessments and financial engineering (case studies)
• Legal and contractual frameworks in RE projects
• Investor risk management and requirements of financing institutions

Objective:

Students will:

• Understand the lifecycle, development process, and key factors influencing RE projects
• Acquire knowledge of core financial principles and evaluate the feasibility and investment potential of RE projects
• Analyze and select appropriate financing structures
• Assess project bankability
• Understand legal and contractual frameworks for RE projects

Structure:

The module runs over two months and combines in-person teaching with self-study and online learning. Students participate in lectures, exercises, and case studies, while deepening their knowledge independently through online resources (e-learning platform).

Workload: 75 h (45 h self-study; 25 h contact time)

Schedule:

• Intro to the module (guided tour E-Learning platform): 16 April 2026, 5-7pm, online
• Life-cycle and value chain of RE projects: example Photovoltaics: tba, 23 April 2026, 5-7pm, online
• Renewable Energy project contracts: Alexander Boensch, 07 May 2026, 5-7pm, CS
• Online exam: 21 May 2026 / Re-exam 28 May 2026

Assessment:

• Online exam (10–11 December 2025)

Literature:

Relevant materials will be provided via the e-learning platform (Moodle/RENAC).

Target Audience:

The module is open to students of economics, business, engineering, and business law with an interest in renewable energy project development, finance, and legal aspects. It is suitable for both Bachelor students (higher semesters) and Master students.

It is recommended to complete the introductory courses (Introduction to Energy, Introduction to Electricity) at the beginning of the module if no prior knowledge of the energy system exists.