The Business of Electricity: Grids, Markets, Economics

Name: The Business of Electricity: Grids, Markets, Economics
Rating: 4.6 (19 reviews)

Essential power fundamentals for corporate electricity strategy and procurement

Created byArder Energy

Last updated 10/2026

English

What you'll learn

Master the Core Concepts: Clearly differentiate between electricity, power, and energy and understand their practical significance
Explore Power System Operations: Gain a clear understanding of electricity generation, transmission and distribution
Analyze Key Performance Metrics: Interpret performance indicators like thermal efficiency, heat rate, and capacity factor to assess economic viability
Demystify Power Markets: Distinguish between regulated and deregulated electricity markets, and implications for market participants

Course content

6 sections • 26 lectures • 1h 4m total length

Course Introduction3:34
Introduction to the course.

Module 1 - Introduction to Power0:23
An introduction to the Section.
Power vs. Electricity2:06
Explaining a key concept - Power vs. Electricity.
Power vs. Energy3:03
The important distinction between Power and Energy.
Units3:44
Essential for any practitioner, though often misunderstood - Units of Measurement. Don't mix up MW and MWh!
Example Calculations1:01
Examples of easy yet crucially important calculations.
Analogy6:09
Analogies for easier understanding of a complex subject.
AC vs. DC2:15
Understanding foundational aspects of Alternating and Direct Current systems.
Quiz - Introduction to Power and Electricity

Module 2 - Power Systems0:24
A brief Section Introduction.
Power Generation4:21
Foundations of Power Generation.
Gas-fired Power Generation3:14
Examine gas-fired power generation, from simple cycle turbines to cogeneration and combined cycle systems that recover exhaust heat with a heat recovery steam generator (hrsg) for higher efficiency.
Power Grid2:01
The Grid - key features and functions.
Quiz - Power Systems

Module 3 - Efficiencies, Heat Rates and Capacity Factors0:30
Introduction to the Section.
Efficiency2:32
Efficiency - deceptively simple, yet so often misunderstood.
Heat Rate4:53
Heat Rates - a remarkably useful yet simple concept for understanding power plant efficiencies and calculating back-of-envelope fuel costs.
Capacity Factors2:18
Another crucial metric - the capacity factor.
Typical Metrics5:02
Useful for developing an intuitive understanding of power systems.
Quiz - Efficiencies, Heat Rates and Capacity Factors

Module 4 - Power Markets0:32
Section Introduction.
Power Markets - What and Why1:59
An overview of power markets and why they exist.
Unique Factors of Power Markets2:20
Unique aspects of power markets.
Types of Markets1:21
An overview of different types of power markets.
Key Market Players1:11
Key players in power markets.
Regulated vs deregulated Markets6:33
A comparison of regulated and deregulated power markets.
Quiz - Power Markets

Requirements

None - a basic understanding of business and economic fundamentals is helpful though

Description

The demand for electricity is reshaping corporate strategy. With the rapid expansion of data centers and electrified industrial facilities, understanding how power is generated, priced, and delivered is no longer just an engineering discipline: it is a critical commercial skill.

This course bridges the gap between technical operations and business decision-making. You will learn the fundamentals of power grids, market dynamics, and generation economics to confidently manage corporate energy strategies, negotiate procurement contracts, and understand the real costs behind the grid.

What You'll Learn:

Energy vs. Power: Master the practical difference between capacity (Megawatts) and consumption (Megawatt-hours), and how they impact commercial billing and infrastructure planning.
Grid Operations: Follow the lifecycle of electricity from diverse generation sources through transmission and distribution networks to the end consumer.
Generation Economics: Evaluate power plant viability using key metrics like heat rates, thermal efficiency, and capacity factors. (Includes our newly added 2025 module covering the latest types of gas-fired power generation).
Market Dynamics: Navigate the structural differences between regulated and deregulated electricity markets, pricing mechanisms, and competitive forces.
Practical Calculations: Work through real-world fuel cost analyses and foundational calculations that directly support Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) negotiations.

Our Approach:

We replace heavy technical jargon with clear, visual learning. You will engage with custom diagrams that make complex grid operations intuitive, and walk through step-by-step financial and operational calculations that you can immediately apply to real-world procurement strategies.

Who This Course Is For:

Developers and strategists securing reliable power for data centers.
Professionals designing corporate power procurement or sustainability strategies.
Analysts and commercial teams negotiating Power Purchasing Agreements (PPAs).
Business students seeking a competitive advantage in the commercial energy sector.

Who this course is for:

Business Professionals in the Energy Industry
Aspiring or early stage Power Traders
Data Center developers requiring foundational power market knowledge
Business Students exploring the energy world

The Business of Electricity: Grids, Markets, Economics

What you'll learn

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Course content

Introduction1 lecture • 4min

Introduction to Power and Electricity7 lectures • 19min

Power Systems4 lectures • 10min

Efficiencies, Heat Rates and Capacity Factors5 lectures • 15min

Power Markets6 lectures • 14min

Wrap Up3 lectures • 3min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: