The eight-week course “Sustainable Development of the Fuel and Energy Complex” by Skoltech and the International and Comparative Law Research Center updated the participants on environmental policies targeting climate change and legal regulation in the industry affected by sanctions. The students had an opportunity to get an insightful perspective on the impact of sanctions and options available to Russia and learn about other countries’ strategies in similar situations. The students also discussed transition technologies and the available green finance instruments.

The intensive course resulted in four low-carbon strategies for industrial partners. The student teams presented them during project defense. The updated strategy for Sakhalin Energy received the Sustainable Development Cup. The second prize went to the team working on the carbon strategy for PAO Novatek. The experts also praised the developed strategy for a complex processing ethane-containing gas and producing LNG, and the decarbonization strategy for Gazprom Neft.

Among those addressing the audience were Skoltech Senior Vice President for Development Alexander Safonov and CEO of the Center for International and Comparative Law Studies Yulia Mullina, as well as Professor Andrei Osiptsov, the director of Skoltech’s Energy Transition Center, and that center’s Deputy Director Irina Gayda, who served as the academic director of the course. Skoltech’s Applied AI Center, Energy Center, and Petroleum Center also participated in designing and teaching the course.

“I was very impressed with the level of work on the group projects, which the course participants had only two weeks to prepare (they were taking the course while still maintaining their day jobs),” Irina Gayda said. “According to the jury’s assessments, the teams were neck and neck, with just a few points separating the winner from the first runner-up project. I also admire the commitment of our experts who took the time to analyze the projects, give their feedback, and come to the defense.”

Industry experts praised the teams for meticulousness and how fast they got immersed into complex information about the companies. The partners will take the teams’ proposals and suggestions into consideration. And for the participants the course will be a boost to their careers.