Prepare a Policy Brief about a particular energy
policy, or policy-related issue or problem. This Policy Brief should draw on theoretical or
empirical materials.
Policy Briefs are short briefing papers written by experts or key organisations in the field.
They provide accessible overviews of research from across the sciences, engineering and
technology and take the format of short, often peer-reviewed summaries of public policy
issues. They place these research findings in the broader context of social, environmental
and policy issues and thus demonstrate the broader significance of the research. They are
often produced proactively, so that key stakeholders have advance knowledge of key
issues before they reach the top of the political agenda. It will be assessed on the ability to
write for non-academic audiences, especially policy makers but also other energy
stakeholders such as business, civil society groups and the wider public.
Graphs, tables
and the reference list are excluded from word count, as are footnotes, though
they should be used sparingly.
Must include:
1. A descriptive and punchy title.
2. A bullet point list of key findings.
3. A short introduction/abstract paragraph.
4. A brief background section (e.g. ‘Just Transitions and the UNFCCC’) citing key
references. This should include a clear statement of the issue, establishing its
current importance and policy relevance and a short overview of the
background/root cause of the problem. Include only the essential materials that a
decision-maker ‘needs to know’ to understand the context of the problem
Assume that you have been hired to filter information on behalf of a busy person.
5. Shortcomings of the current approach or options being implemented; the need
for change and where it needs to occur. For the sake of credibility, recognise
opinions and options.
6. A short section on policy-recommendations regarding the issue in question. You
also want to aim for a convincing proposal of how the failings of the current
policy approach can be addressed.
7. References including sources consulted and (perhaps) recommended readings.
Other than being about ‘energy policy’, there is no restriction on the topic or
the target policy audience (i.e. any international, national or local policy maker is in
scope).
Here are some examples, though you are very much encouraged to develop your own
focus:
• How can energy policy best support low carbon technology development and
deployment?
• Can citizen’s juries resolve public and stakeholder conflicts over controversial
energy issues? #
• How can energy intensive industries be decarbonised?
• What is the best way to decarbonise buildings heating (nationally/internationally)?
• How can a ‘Just Transition’ policy be best developed, so that vulnerable
communities be supported?
• What are the most effective ways of reducing transport energy demand?
• How can transitions theory be used to develop better ‘whole systems’ energy
policy?
Key assessment criteria:
• Outline a policy issue or problem, and how it has been addressed (or overlooked)
in existing energy policies’
• Demonstrate a good knowledge of a range of materials introduced in the first half
of the course or demonstrate a good use of other research evidence and/or other
analytical frameworks, beyond those taught in the course
• Outline a proposed solution to the problem or issue, drawing on available
evidence and/or theories.
Ive attatched some policy brief examples below. Lastly a document below has been attached containing theories and analytical perspectives. The policy brief must draw upon these theories. Please let me know which ones you are planning on using and I will send you the acedemic articles.