1. Describe how energy prices have varied over time and across geographic locations or across commodities. Are energy prices more volatile today than in the past? Is the outlook more or less uncertain? What are the implications for successful strategy or stable policy? 

2. Compare and contrast two commodities in each of two countries of your choice. What are the similarities and differences and what are the challenges and opportunities that arise? 

3. Address the challenges faced by Australia (or another country of your choice in resolving the energy policy trilemma, discussing the interactions between the economy, energy and the environment. Adopt the position of a policy-maker, an advisor or a corporate decision-maker. 

4. Describe how energy markets have changed since 1990. Address the changes that followed the end of the Cold War, the ratification of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the introduction of competition in electricity markets in the West and of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in the East, the growth of the gas share of primary energy, and the rise of Asian economies, technological change and social change. What are the implications for the next 25 years? 

5. Why are energy-related challenges so often in the mainstream press, and why do views on energy policy differ so markedly? Does this matter? If not, why not, and if so, what are appropriate responses for governments, companies, individuals and non-governmental organisations? 

6. The biggest problem with energy policy is the failure to communicate the issues to citizens. Discuss from the point of view of agreement or disagreement using real-world examples. ENGY7117 2021 18 October 2021 

7. Is the hypothesis that coal has no long-term future credible? Why, or why not? What are the implications of your conclusion? 

8. Do you subscribe to the hypothesis about natural gas that the 21st century is the methane age? Why, or why not? Will a single global gas market emerge? Will be the key global price benchmark be Henry Hub, the UK NBP, the TTF in the Netherlands, Qatar, NWS in WA, Curtis Island in Queensland, Singapore, Shanghai or Tokyo Bay? What are the implications of your conclusion? 

9. Oil was the most important energy source of the 20th century, and will remain so for the foreseeable future. Discuss and explain (from the point of view of agreement or disagreement) with reference to economic, geostrategic and environmental arguments. 

10. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) will (or will not) displace refined oil products for road transport: discuss and explain.