Leading the Energy Transition: Strategies for Sustainable Business in a Low-Carbon Economy

Course Description

The worldwide shift from fossil fuels toward low-carbon energy sources is one of the most profound transformations of our age. It holds the promise of tremendous economic opportunities and environmental-societal benefits as well as far-reaching risks and consequences for international trade, global political-economic power dynamics, and industrial and social transformations.   

This course immerses the participants in an analytically rigorous and comprehensive analysis of the current energy landscape and the compelling drivers of change—climate change, energy security, and sustainable economic development.   

As participants deepen their understanding of the diverse, low-carbon energy technologies that will power the global future, they will apply SAIS’ interdisciplinary, analytical frameworks and tools to navigate the complex policy and regulatory frameworks that shape this transition. Participants will also examine and critique industry best practices and successful case studies, and explore the emerging business opportunities within the burgeoning, low-carbon energy marketspace.  

The course is designed to empower participants to forge potent business strategies, by incorporating energy transition considerations into corporate strategy, risk management, and sustainability initiatives. Ultimately, it aims to equip leaders with the knowledge and skills not only to adapt, but to define the future and thrive in this era of energy transformation.  

Learning Outcomes

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the global energy transition, including the key drivers such as climate change, energy security, and economic development, and analyze the associated risks and business opportunities within emerging clean energy sectors. 
• Acquire in-depth knowledge of cutting-edge clean energy technologies, including renewable energy, energy storage, green hydrogen, nuclear power, and electric vehicles, and identify innovative business opportunities and growth potential in these rapidly evolving markets. 
• Understand the complex policy, regulatory, and climate finance frameworks shaping the energy transition, including the role of international negotiations, carbon pricing, and emissions trading schemes, and assess their impact on industrial-policy decisions, business strategies, and operations. 
• Develop forward-thinking business strategies that integrate energy transition considerations into corporate goals, risk management, and sustainability initiatives, while building organizational resilience and agility to capitalize on opportunities in the low-carbon economy. 

Visit the New Executive Education Programs page for additional information.

This course does not convey academic credit and is not included on a JHU Academic Transcript. This course is intended for personal and professional skills enrichment. Any certificate earned for the successful completion of this course is intended for proof of completion only.

Location, Date and Time

• Format: In-Person
• Location: Hopkins Bloomberg Center, 555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC
• Date: Monday, August 11 – Thursday, August 14, 2025
• Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (ET)

NOTE: Enrollment closes Friday, July 25 at 11:55 PM.

Program Schedule

DAY 1 | The Global Energy Landscape and Business Implications.

• Overview of the Global Energy Landscape
• Key Drivers for Energy Transition
• International Climate Agreements and Policies
• Stakeholder Roles in the Transition
• Risks and Business Opportunities in the Evolving Energy Landscape

DAY 2 | Clean Energy Technologies and Business Opportunities in the Low-Carbon Economy

• Overview of Clean Energy Technologies
• Business Opportunities in Clean Energy Generation and Storage
• Grid Modernization, Smart Grids, and AI
• Decentralized Energy Systems and Microgrids
• Electric Vehicles and Integration into the Energy System
• Field Visit

DAY 3 | Navigating Policy, Regulatory Frameworks, and Climate Finance in the Energy Transition

• Designing Effective Policies and Regulations for the Energy Transition
• National and Regional Case Studies
• The Role of Carbon Pricing and Emissions Trading Schemes
• Engaging with Policymakers and Influencing Energy Transition Policy
• Introduction to Climate Finance and Investment Mechanisms

Day 4 | Developing Business Strategies for the Energy Transition

• Key Trends and Emerging Business Models in the Clean Energy Sector
• Incorporating Energy Transition into Corporate Strategy, Operations, and Risk Management
• Corporate Sustainability and Decarbonization Strategies
• Managing Risks and Seizing Opportunities in the Evolving Energy Landscape
• Building Organizational Resilience and Agility
• Case Study
• Program Completion

Visit the Executive Education Programs page for additional program and course details.

Course Policies

JHU ALUMNI ENROLLMENT

JHU Alumni are eligible for a 50% registration discount for SAIS executive education courses. If you are a JHU alum, please contact ExecEdSAIS@jh.edu* prior to enrollment for verification and to receive your unique promo code. NOTE: Non-SAIS alumni may be waitlisted if a course exceeds the registration cap. 

Upon receipt, you will return to the course registration page to enter your promo code and complete the registration process.

Please do not use your JHU Alumni email to register for courses (this email account will not work with the registration platform). We recommend you register using a non-JHU email such as Gmail or Outlook. 

LEARNING PREREQUISITES

None

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Hardware: laptop computer; webcam; microphone and speakers or headset. Software: current web browser; Canvas; Zoom web conferencing; Microsoft Office or similar; Email; course specific software

COURSE LIFECYCLE

After registering you will receive an email confirming your registration. You will be given access to a Canvas course that includes complete course information. You will have access to the Canvas course for the duration of the course.

PARTICIPANT CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

In the event a participant can no longer attend a program, a withdrawal request must be emailed to ExecEdSAIS@jhu.edu*. A full refund will be provided if the request is submitted at least 21 days prior to the program start. Withdrawal requests submitted outside of this deadline will not be eligible for a refund and are therefore obligated to pay the full program tuition.

COURSE CANCELLATION POLICY

Program dates, fees, and faculty may be subject to change. If a course must be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, SAIS Executive Education will refund the full program tuition. However, SAIS is not liable for travel, accommodation, or any other expenses incurred by the participant. Changes to the program or schedule will be communicated via email, and alternative program dates will be provided once available.

ACCESSIBILITY

JHU SAIS is committed to providing all participants with the opportunity to pursue excellence in their academic endeavors. This includes providing disability related accommodations and services in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and our goal of delivering accessible, inclusive experiences. If you require accommodations to complete this course, please reach out to EDT@jhu.edu*.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Direct all technical support requests to the SAIS Educational Design and Technology office email: EDT@jhu.edu*. We will respond to requests within 24-48 hours. Requests received on weekends, overnights and holidays will be responded to on the next business day.

ACCREDITATION

JHU is not approved by Middle States for direct assessment credentials for academic credit. This course results in a certificate of completion. It will not show on any JHU transcripts and does not count toward an academic record.

 

*Do not share any personal identifiable information (PII) such as social security number or grades in any messages to EDT@jhu.edu or ExecEdSAIS@jh.edu.