Arthur van Benthem

All Courses

• BEPP2630 - Environ. & Energy Econ

  This course examines environmental and energy issues from an economist's perspective. Over the last several decades, energy markets have become some of the most dynamic markets of the world economy, as they experienced a shift from heavy regulation to market-driven incentives. First, we look at scarcity pricing and market power in electricity and gasoline markets. We then study oil and gas markets, with an emphasis on optimal extraction and pricing, and geopolitical risks that investors in hydrocarbon resources face. We then shift gears to the sources of environmental problems, and how policy makers can intervene to solve some of these problems. We talk about the economic rationale for a broad range of possible policies: environmental taxes, subsidies, performance standards and cap-and-trade. In doing so, we discuss fundamental concepts in environmental economics, such as externalities, valuation of the environment and the challenge of designing international agreements. At the end of the course, there will be special attention for the economics and finance of renewable energy and policies to foster its growth. Finally, we discuss the transportation sector, and analyze heavily debated policies such as fuel-economy standards and subsidies for green vehicles. Prerequisites: An introductory microeconomics course (ECON1, or another course approved by the instructor) will be sufficient in most cases; BEPP 250 or an equivalent intermediate microeconomics course is recommended.

• BEPP2990 - Independent Study

• BEPP7630 - Energy Markets & Policy

  Over the last several decades, energy markets have become some of the most dynamic markets of the world economy. Traditional fossil fuel and electricity markets have been seen a partial shift from heavy regulation to market-driven incentives, while rising environmental concerns have led to a wide array of new regulations and "environmental markets". The growth of renewable energy could be another source of rapid change, but brings with it a whole new set of technological and policy challenges. This changing energy landscape requires quick adaptation from energy companies, but also offers opportunities to turn regulations into new business. The objective of this course is to provide students with the economist's perspective on a broad range of topics that professionals in the energy industry will encounter. Topics include the effect of competition, market power and scarcity on energy prices, the impact of deregulation on electricity and fossil fuel markets, extraction and pricing of oil and gas, geopolitical uncertainty and risk in hydrocarbon investments, the environmental impact and policies related to the energy sector, environmental cap-and-trade markets, energy efficiency, the economics and finance of renewable energy, and recent developments in the transportation sector.

• OIDD2630 - Environ. & Energy Econ

  This course examines environmental and energy issues from an economist's perspective. Over the last several decades, energy markets have become some of the most dynamic markets of the world economy, as they experienced a shift from heavy regulation to market-driven incentives. First, we look at scarcity pricing and market power in electricity and gasoline markets. We then study oil and gas markets, with an emphasis on optimal extraction and pricing, and geopolitical risks that investors in hydrocarbon resources face. We then shift gears to the sources of environmental problems, and how policy makers can intervene to solve some of these problems. We talk about the economic rationale for a broad range of possible policies: environmental taxes, subsidies, performance standards and cap-and-trade. In doing so, we discuss fundamental concepts in environmental economics, such as externalities, valuation of the environment and the challenge of designing international agreements. At the end of the course, there will be special attention for the economics and finance of renewable energy and policies to foster its growth. Finally, we discuss the transportation sector, and analyze heavily debated policies such as fuel-economy standards and subsidies for green vehicles. Prerequisites: An introductory microeconomics course (ECON1, or another course approved by the instructor) will be sufficient in most cases; BEPP 250 or an equivalent intermediate microeconomics course is recommended.

• OIDD7630 - Energy Markets & Policy

  Over the last several decades, energy markets have become some of the most dynamic markets of the world economy. Traditional fossil fuel and electricity markets have been seen a partial shift from heavy regulation to market-driven incentives, while rising environmental concerns have led to a wide array of new regulations and "environmental markets". The growth of renewable energy could be another source of rapid change, but brings with it a whole new set of technological and policy challenges. This changing energy landscape requires quick adaptation from energy companies, but also offers opportunities to turn regulations into new business. The objective of this course is to provide students with the economist's perspective on a broad range of topics that professionals in the energy industry will encounter. Topics include the effect of competition, market power and scarcity on energy prices, the impact of deregulation on electricity and fossil fuel markets, extraction and pricing of oil and gas, geopolitical uncertainty and risk in hydrocarbon investments, the environmental impact and policies related to the energy sector, environmental cap-and-trade markets, energy efficiency, the economics and finance of renewable energy, and recent developments in the transportation sector.

Knowledge at Wharton

• How Accountable Capitalism Can Help the ESG Movement, Knowledge at Wharton - 9/12/2023
• Wharton Executive Education ESG Panel: Dispatch From the Front Lines of Accountable Capitalism, Knowledge at Wharton - 9/12/2023
• Tracking the Financial Stakes in Curbing Emissions, Knowledge at Wharton - 10/18/2022
• How Price Shocks in Formative Years Scar Consumption for Life, Knowledge at Wharton - 5/16/2022
• Are Emissions Standards Helping to Curb Air Pollution?, Knowledge at Wharton - 8/30/2021
• Oil Price Shock: What It Means for Producers and Consumers, Knowledge at Wharton - 4/28/2020
• Are Weaker Fuel Economy Standards Based on Faulty Logic?, Knowledge at Wharton - 2/5/2019
• When Will Electric Cars Go Mainstream?, Knowledge at Wharton - 1/6/2017
• Why Trump Should Embrace – Not Ditch – Green Energy, Knowledge at Wharton - 12/2/2016
• Solar and Wind Power Are Growing – but Won’t Solve Climate Change, Knowledge at Wharton - 10/10/2016

Wharton Stories

• Research Spotlight: Prof. Arthur van Benthem on New Cars, Old Cars, and Air Pollution Today, Wharton Stories - 08/26/2021
• From Sustainability to BEES: How This MBA Student Updated and Expanded Her Major, Wharton Stories - 12/17/2018
• How This Wharton MBA is Paving His Future in Clean Energy Through the Kleinman Certificate Program, Wharton Stories - 10/04/2018
• Prof. Arthur van Benthem Examines Energy and Environmental Markets Through an Economist’s Lens, Wharton Stories - 01/23/2017
• Prof. Arthur van Benthem Talks About the Intersection of Corporate Strategy and Government Energy Policy, Wharton Stories - 01/23/2017