From September 9th to 13th, the “2024 Managing Sustainable Energy Transitions (Shanghai)” –(MSET) program was successfully held at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU). The program was jointly organized by Warwick Business School (WBS) of the University of Warwick and the China-UK Low Carbon College (LCC) of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, aiming at discussing sustainable energy transition strategies, paths, challenges, and China’s practices, assisting enterprises to achieve green economic growth through managing sustainable energy transitions. Around 30 students of Warwick Business School's Global MBA program from 21 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, India, Peru, South Africa, Nigeria, Croatia, etc., gathered at Shanghai Jiao Tong University to integrate global wisdom and discuss green future.

At the opening ceremony on September 9th, Prof. Changying Zhao, Dean of the LCC, warmly welcomed the students and gave an overview of Shanghai city, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the Low Carbon College. He said, this course combined the advantages of LCC and WBS in managing sustainable energy transitions, featuring a rich program including lectures, case studies and industry visits. He hoped that everyone would enhance communication, deepen understanding, experience cultural diversity, and open up international horizon during the study. Afterwards, Prof. David Elmes and Prof. Michael Bradshaw from WBS gave a detailed introduction of the background, curriculum, learning objectives and schedule of the program.

The one-week MSET program was jointly delivered by professors and industry experts from both China and the UK, covering fundamental theories, cutting-edge low-carbon technologies, case studies, innovative practices, etc. Students had in-depth communication with the lecturers and conducted systematic and in-depth studies and discussions on the strategies and dilemmas of the Global Energy Transition, Carbon Price and Carbon Market, Renewable Energy and Energy Storage, the Electrical Vehicle Industry, the Practice of Green and Low Carbon Buildings, Geopolitics of Energy System Transformation, Green Supply Chain Management, China's 14th Five-Year Plan, Sustainable Leadership and Future Energy Development, etc. Students also visited exhibitions and companies including Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, Lin-gang New Area Dishui Cloud Hall, Breton Technology Co., Ltd. and NeoBay Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Community. Through on-site visits, students gained insights into the practices of sustainable development of cities and key industries in China, and learned about China’s efforts and achievements in promoting the green and low-carbon transition of economic and social development. 

After one-week study, students realized that a lot of efforts need be made to achieve the global energy transition, and that strengthening international cooperation and deepening the cooperation of the global industrial chain is an important way to realize a greener, more inclusive and sustainable future. Participating in this program not only provides them with a brand new perception of China's green transformation, but also improves their international communication skills and broadens international horizons. It is a great academic and cultural experience that will benefit their future careers and help shape themselves into experts in managing sustainable energy transitions.

Students Insights

Shasank Sharma, Global MBA student from WBS, Indian

This is my first time to China. I am very impressed by the development of China, improvement of environment and measures taken to realize carbon neutrality. The courses are very inspiring which cover lots of aspects of energy transitions. I have learned a lot from this program.

Micah Hostetter, Global MBA student from WBS, American

Energy transitions is a difficult process but we are equipped with technologies and knowledge to deal with these challenges. China is very important in global energy transition and China has taken positive measures to reduce carbon emission. I feel this program is very engaging, informative and inspiring!

Omolayo Kupoluyi, Global MBA student from WBS, Nigerian

I have learned a lot of knowledge related to sustainable energy transitions from this program. I knew nothing about carbon market before. The program has invited experienced experts from government, university and industry which has given me in-depth understanding of these aspects and China. It’s very impressive and I enjoyed it very much.

Lynette Ngiam, Global MBA student from WBS, Singaporean

Energy transitions relate to everyone and each country needs to respect each other’s culture so that we can realize carbon neutrality together. I have learned more about Shanghai culture and I am impressed by the rapid development of this metropolitan city. It's very enlightening and I think I'm going to make a long lasting network with people that I've met here.