Geovania – a learning environment for students

Renewable energy is often seen as the solution to stop further climate changes. However, planning and implementing the necessary common measures is still a difficult process. Especially on an international level, the energy transition faces a complex set of opportunities and challenges. If climate protection and sustainability are to be achieved, this international dimension of new energy technology needs to be understood by future decision-makers.

Geovania is a learning platform that gives students first-hand experience with the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to renewable energy. The main feature is a hypothetical continent consisting of four very different countries. Finding a common strategy for the entire continent is difficult as every country is facing different challenges. However, with each round the pressure to find a way towards a carbon-neutral economy increases.

Energy is also connected to various other societal issues such as food production, the development of industries, cities etc. Users are therefore asked to take on different responsibilities. This role-playing element of Geovania involves very different views on the effects of measures taken. Thereby the game  acquaints players with the different dimensions of the energy transition as well as the difficulties to define strategies on the national as well as the international level.

Teaching and learning about the international dimension of the energy transition is a complex task. International relations in the field of energy have existed for a long time already. However, in the field of renewable energy this is new and international relations will play a bigger role in the global transition in the future. Geovania allows to engage directly in a simulated energy transition. This learning tool will allow discussions based on first-hand experience with the difficulties of implementing the energy transition internationally.