Turn ideas into action.
— Arlen Orchard, CEO, SMUD, who presented on the utility company's efforts to accelerate the deployment of EVs into the Sacramento region
You'll team up to develop creative solutions for top energy executives that address their pressing business challenges.
The Impact of New Technologies
New technologies and innovations in the energy industry create opportunities for energy firms and companies relying on stable energy supplies.
Regulating energy involves balancing environmental, economic, health, social equity, and technology concerns—a complex policy challenge.
The Sustainable Energy Industry Immersion unites MBA and graduate students from multiple departments to tackle significant managerial problems in this evolving sector. In interactive weekly classes, you'll join interdisciplinary teams to analyze real-world issues and present solutions.
Live Case Studies Presented by Top Executives
We leverage our extensive corporate partner network and UC Davis' pioneering research in sustainable energy, transportation, and climate solutions. In the cornerstone Immersion course, you'll learn from business and policy leaders presenting live case studies from companies like Southern California Edison, SMUD, Wells Fargo, PG&E, and clean energy firms. This opens doors to potential summer internships.
You'll team up to develop solutions to issues such as:
- Global energy from a financial perspective
- Entrepreneurial opportunities in renewable energy
- Complexities of providing electricity and gas in Northern California
- Managing water and energy
- Shaping the energy future with customers
- Transforming the utility business model for the 21st century
- Safely and effectively managing one of the world’s largest energy providers in a turbulent industry
You'll gain insights into the current energy landscape and understand the complex forces shaping the industry. Discover the critical importance of leadership on local, national, and global levels as you tackle one of society's most relevant challenges.
“Students hear from executives about the challenges and opportunities that companies are facing day in and day out. Students see what companies and industry are trying to achieve and how they can bring real-world solutions.”
— Katie Sloan, Vice President of Customer Programs and Services, Southern California Edison
Strategic Projects for Energy Companies
The UC Davis IMPACT curriculum (Integrated Management Project + Articulation and Critical Thinking) features a 10-week team project sponsored by partner companies, ranging from Fortune 500 firms to Silicon Valley startups. You'll have the opportunity to collaborate and develop real solutions for energy companies and agencies.
Recent projects for leading energy companies and startups include:
Aemetis
- MBA team analyzed the potential for biofuels to displace petroleum-based diesel for long-haul trucking.
- Researched regulatory policies and potential investment partners for large-scale biofuel production facilities.
- Analyzed carbon emissions from wood burning and explored converting waste wood to fuels to displace petroleum-based jet and diesel fuels.
Blue Rhino
- Team researched market opportunities for expanding propane use, including new distribution channels and market innovations.
Ford
- MBA team evaluated the electric bike (e-bike) market.
- Researched customer segments, strategies of current market participants and unmet customer needs.
PG&E (Pacific Gas & Electric)
- Team explored financing opportunities for clean energy projects.
- Evaluated trade-offs among affordability, impact on decarbonization, and grid reliability and resiliency.
- Analyzed change management strategies for energy efficiency projects within the non-residential customer segment.
SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District)
- Project focused on developing professional development techniques and career pathways.
- Researched best practices in career development rotational staffing programs.
- Analyzed cybersecurity and infrastructure requirements for decentralized power generation and grid resiliency.
UC Davis Energy Conservation Office
- Team researched investment and financing options for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects on campus.
- Analyzed options for converting campus heating systems from steam to hot water.
Energy-Focused Graduate Elective Courses at UC Davis
Expand your knowledge with specialized energy-focused electives taught by top experts. These courses are offered at the GSM and UC Davis through the Energy Graduate Group and other schools and colleges.
Graduate School of Management Group Study
Small groups tackle energy-related projects guided by top industry advisors. Recently, MBA students explored innovative financing mechanisms to help UC Davis access and deploy capital for all phases of The Big Shift, a bold $250 million campus transition from fossil gas-fueled boilers to electric heat pumps. Their work resulted in a model for other university campuses to follow for important decarbonization investments.
Energy Graduate Group (EGG) 290 Graduate Group Seminar
Eminent scholars and professionals present on key energy-related issues at local, state, national, and global levels. Topics have included clean energy transition, energy poverty and justice, hydrogen transportation, developing power grids, and more.
Energy Graduate Group (EGG) Introduction to Energy Systems
Covers technical, societal, and environmental components of energy systems at global, national, and regional scales from an interdisciplinary perspective. Topics include energy resources, end-uses and demand, electricity systems, energy efficiency, energy justice, energy emissions, and energy policy.
Energy Graduate Group (EGG) 201 - Life Cycle Assessment for Sustainable Engineering
Focuses on life cycle assessment methodology with applications to infrastructure and energy systems. Includes life cycle design, life cycle cost methods, industrial ecology tools and links to policy.
Energy Graduate Group (EGG) 202 - Energy & Climate Policy
Covers the fundamentals of energy technology, economics, and policy. Surveys and analyzes current and prospective climate policies at local and global levels, including cap-and-trade, emissions offsets, intensity standards, technology standards, mandates and subsidies.
