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Accessibility statement
Qualification dates
StartEnd
03 Oct 2026Jun 2027
What does a sustainable energy system look like? How might renewable energy provide a much more significant proportion of our energy needs in the coming decades? Which technologies and designs for the various renewable energy sources will help us decarbonise our energy systems and maintain a supply of affordable electricity and heat? In this module, you’ll explore these questions by systematically reviewing eight renewable energy technologies. You’ll develop your ability to apply this knowledge practically – especially for solar thermal, solar photovoltaic and wind.
This module explores each of the principal renewable energy sources in turn. Each technology is examined in terms of the relevant physical principles, the main technologies involved, their costs and environmental impact, the size of the potential renewable resource, and its future prospects.
Renewable energy is the core teaching text for this module, along with a specially designed set of online activities to help you apply the knowledge to practical examples in the field.
You will work through a series of online study guides that use material from the book, together with additional online resources, exercises and activities to cover the following topics:
You will also have access to an electronic version of the companion volume Energy Systems and Sustainability – Power for a Sustainable Future and a range of other study materials on our website.
This is an OU level 3 module. OU level 3 modules build on study skills and subject knowledge acquired from studies at OU levels 1 and 2 and typically involve more self-directed learning, such as an end-of-module assessment (a personal project). T313 has a project EMA component.
Although there are no formal entry requirements, a good basic level of skill in energy numeracy and numeracy in general is important
Studying the OU level 2 module Energy and sustainability (T213) would be an advantage and give you the necessary background and skills for this module.
Potential T313 students may find it beneficial to review the maths for energy diagnostic quiz.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
The EMA is a project you'll develop throughout the module.
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
Additionally, the website includes:
We also provide physical:
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying T313 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Renewable energy (T313) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2030.
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