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Why Future Business Leaders Need To Understand The Energy Transition

If you want a future-proof career in sustainable business, you need to understand how energy systems are changing. Here’s how one business school can help

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Fri Apr 11 2025

BusinessBecause
Energy sits at the heart of virtually every aspect of modern life—from the electricity powering our homes to the data centers enabling AI.

With more than 90% of new power capacity in 2024 coming from renewables, it’s become apparent that the way we produce and use energy is changing.

So, why should future business leaders pay attention to the energy transition—and how can business school help them prepare?

That’s a question BusinessBecause put to Xavier Blot and Thibaud Voïta from emlyon business school.


Why understanding energy matters for business leaders

While discussions surrounding the energy transition often focus on technical solutions such as solar panels or wind turbines, business skills are just as essential to putting those solutions into practice.

That’s because no matter how innovative a technology is, it still needs funding, regulation, and a viable business model to succeed. This is as true for renewable energy infrastructure as it is for emerging technologies more broadly.

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AI, for example, depends on large data centers that need high quantities of electricity.

“If we want AI to grow in a sustainable way, we need energy systems that are reliable, efficient, and low-carbon,” explains Xavier (pictured), associate professor and co-director of the program.

At emlyon business school, the Master of Science (MSc) in Management of Energy Transitions is designed for professionals who want to develop the skills to lead within this changing energy landscape.

On the program, students develop a foundational understanding of energy systems while also building practical business skills in areas such as project finance, carbon strategy, and risk management.

“The goal isn’t to become an engineer at the end of the program, but to really get a sense of how energy systems work together, and how you can combine different building blocks to design energy solutions,” says Xavier.

Students also work towards certifications in project management, financial auditing, and carbon footprint assessment, giving them practical tools they can apply directly in their future careers.

“We don’t want students to become strategists hidden away in an ivory tower. We want them on the field, ready to lead projects and deploy infrastructure,” he says.

For Thibaud, advisor at the Jacques Delors Institute and program co-director, strong business skills become even more important when managing large-scale international projects.

“Energy projects are large, international, and often politically sensitive. You might be managing a wind farm in Denmark, hiring Chinese contractors, sourcing parts from Korea, working with a US engineering firm, and negotiating with the local government and community. 

“On the program, students learn how to handle the technical, political, cultural, and financial challenges that come with real-world projects,” he says.


How business school prepares you to lead the energy transition

Fossil fuels still dominate global energy supply because they’re reliable and available on demand. However, they’re also increasingly risky, with fluctuating prices, political tensions, and tougher environmental regulations.

Renewables such as wind and solar are cleaner and often cheaper, but they depend on weather, storage, and infrastructure that many regions are still developing. 

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“We’re currently facing a messy transition. For more than 100 years, our economies have relied on fossil fuels, but renewable energy follows different rules. Instead of trading oil or gas on global markets, we’re now dealing with technology such as solar panels or batteries,” says Xavier. 

This transition informed the design of the MSc, with a focus on the skills and knowledge employers are prioritizing, Thibaud (pictured) explains.

“We spoke with recruiters, utilities, and think tanks to understand not only what skills are in demand today, but what will be needed five years from now. We wanted to make sure our students graduate ready for the challenges companies are just beginning to face,” he says.

Throughout the year, students apply their knowledge through company projects and sector-specific case work. One of the highlights is a four-day innovation challenge and conference, where students work with peers, faculty, and external experts to develop solutions to existing energy problems. 

“We don’t treat students as students, but as future leaders and collaborators who can contribute to the sector,” says Xavier.


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Energy is a global business

The energy transition looks different around the world. To help students understand and navigate these differences, the program—otherwise based in Paris—includes an international term in Shanghai. 

China is the world’s leading producer of solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries, making it central to the global energy conversation. During the Shanghai term, students take part in company projects, intercultural management courses, and discover the sectors shaping China’s energy future.

“China holds around 90% of global production capacity in some renewable sectors. No matter which part of the energy transition you work in, you’ll need to understand China’s role. There’s no way around it,” says Thibaud.

Living and studying in Paris also provides a strong professional advantage. With global energy firms and cleantech startups headquartered in the city, students are well-positioned to build industry connections and tap into local opportunities to grow their careers.

The energy transition is one of the defining business challenges of our time. For students who want to work at the intersection of strategy, sustainability, and global impact, understanding how energy systems are evolving and how to lead within that change can be a strong place to start.

Student Reviews

emlyon business school

Student

Verified

4/12/2023

On Campus

Intense courses, helpful professors

I am an international student in my 3rd year and I love going to this school and do not regret chosing it for my BBA. The classes are helpful, professors are always there to help as well and we have a very understanding administration.

Student

Verified

18/03/2023

On Campus

Leadership in an amazing city

I decided to do my exchange in Emlyon because I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, and I found a space with very capable People.. participatory, empathetic and full of leadership. I will never forget Lyon, apart from giving me an unforgettable experience, he gave me great friends

Student

Verified

23/11/2021

On Campus

A lot of opportunities professionally and socially. A unique program in France.

You can choose your courses and do your internship, exchange whenever you want. It's flexible and adapted to the needs of each student. A great program and a great city! Professionally, it opens a lot of doors for you to find internships or jobs in France or abroad thanks to the network and career events.

Fabian

Verified

7/06/2020

MSc in Digital Marketing

Combining both worlds into one, this course gave me all the on-demand technical skills in data science while maintaining a business-oriented approach. Thanks to the strong academic profile of this university I was able to secure an internship and full-time job at Amazon.

Student

Verified

14/10/2018

Top Business School fostering innovative entrepreneurs

EMLyon is one of the best business schools. The campuses, associations and courses offered provide the students with the best options to build the future they have chosen. The various opportunities to study and work abroad also offer a deeper understanding of the world, not only economy-wise but social, which helps the student become as well a better individual and not only a pre-formated business school student.

Student

Verified

9/06/2020

Emlyon campus in Paris

It has a great international community and you have access to many international tools, courses and professors. I had many networking events and workshops for students. Campus and some details of the program could have been improved or need to be bigger in order to have a better student life.

Student

Verified

21/11/2022

On Campus

Entrepreneurship

Overall good content and good activities. Lack of administration but still ok. Good flexibility and liberty offered to the students. Finally, the amount of internship is also a good way to improve qualifications.

Student

Verified

25/05/2020

Good Reputation and International Business School

The course was not well adapted but it was up to the mark. The professors are very well experienced and their experience comes in handy while working on assignments. The facilities on the campus are top class. Truly professional. I really like spending time in the learning hub and using all the available resources. Lyon is an amazing city. You will never get bored.

Edel

Verified

11/07/2024

On Campus

MSc International Hospitality Management

The best educational experience of my life so far! It’s been full of exposure and great connections. From Lyon to London, Paris, Los Angeles and Las Vegas! Truly an exceptional way to discover the world of hospitality.

Student

Verified

11/07/2024

On Campus

Real networking opportunities

- meeting new people, specially professionals during seminars or evening meeting at school. - going abroad to study luxury - being involved as an ambassador to promote the school and the program I was into (MSc LMM) - having such a great professional core

Daphné

Verified

14/07/2024

On Campus

white baccalaureate in the world of work

I really appreciated the MS SDAI as a whole. The teaching staff, the different subjects, the university exchange, TEM... I started my internship in a consulting firm having acquired a solid foundation. Downside for CentraleSupélec, which I found far too academic for a program such as this.

Student

Verified

11/09/2024

On Campus

Great

Pretty great ! Emlyon business school is a top educational institution known for its outstanding academic programs, nurturing environment, and state-of-the-art facilities. It fosters creativity, critical thinking, and leadership in students.

Student

Verified

6/02/2025

On Campus

Emlyon makes us confident!

Since I got into emlyon business school in September 2024, I’ve had many occasions to discover various subjects, but also to gain confidence and strength in several fields. Our « ADN » classes involve active participation and teamwork which enlighten our everyday life here in Lyon. Teachers are welcoming and available, classes are dispensed in small rooms, all of this turning our studies into a real life experience. As a top business school in France and in Europe, rest assured that this programme will take you to places you never had the chance to go to.

Student

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

Worldwide School

If you're looking for a school with an international perspective, emlyon is the place to be. Academic exchange and double-degree opportunities are widely varied around the globe, and the school has 4 international campuses.

Jeremy

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

Warm welcome

emlyon is one of France's top business schools, offering a wide range of programs and masters degrees that allow students from all backgrounds to perfect their skills. Students are very friendly and student life is dynamic with 42 associations (art, culture, finance...). With the inauguration of its new campus, the school also offers students a highly advantageous working environment right in the heart of Lyon.

Student

Verified

6/02/2025

On Campus

Experience at emlyon

My experience in emlyon business school was nothing but fantastic. The professors are very knowledgeable and helpful and are the best in the field to guide you to build your future self. The campus life is also really great and you get to meet amazing people!

Jenny

Verified

6/02/2025

On Campus

A Global and Data-driven Learning Experience

As an international student from Taiwan, currently studying Digital Marketing & Data Science at Emlyon Business School's Paris campus, my experience has been both challenging and rewarding. 1. Academics & Curriculum The program is highly data-driven, integrating real-world marketing strategies with technical skills like Python, SQL, and machine learning. Professors bring industry expertise and often collaborate with companies, making classes interactive and practical. 2. Campus & Student Life The Paris campus is a great location for networking, surrounded by top companies and start-up ecosystems. There are plenty of career events, hackathons, and networking opportunities, which have helped me connect with professionals in my field. 3. International Student Experience Coming from Taiwan, Emlyon provides a diverse and global environment. The school supports international students well, but navigating administrative processes (like visas and housing) can sometimes be challenging. However, the student community is welcoming, and there are many activities and student initiatives to engage with. 4. Overall Impression I think Emlyon is a great choice for students looking for an innovative, hands-on learning experience in business and technology. While some courses could benefit from even more structure, the real-world projects, industry collaborations, and international environment make it a strong business school for aspiring digital professionals.

Ambrine

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

Very Good Program and Life-Changing Opportunities

I was truly delighted with my program as it provided me with valuable knowledge and skills. The campus is outstanding, offering an inspiring and welcoming environment for students. Moreover, my program opened up new professional opportunities that I would never have been able to access without completing this Master's degree in Strategy in International Business Development (in partnership with CentraleSupélec). I highly recommend this school to anyone seeking a transformative academic experience!

Nelia

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

BBA1 EM Lyon business school

This is my first year at EM Lyon and one of the first factors that makes me love my school is its campus. The location, the layout of the premises, the exteriors... all the facilities are functional and largely allow students to flourish in their studies (very large library, individual and collaborative workspaces, fully equipped rooms that can be booked, catering and relaxation areas, roof... everything is there!) Also, what I particularly appreciate is the format of the courses which combines practice with theory. My program is intended to be very professionalizing, so we have courses and modules that put us in real situations, the professors and external speakers are for the most part people in professional activities in companies which allows us to benefit from concrete illustrations and notable anecdotes. The classes are not very numerous, offering us an opportunity for interaction and group work. In addition to the courses, the school has many very advantageous partnerships for internships and academic exchanges. In addition, the school offers many conferences and workshops at the Makerslab that allow us to educate ourselves and learn new things. Finally, my program is internationally oriented and that is one of the reasons why I chose it: internships and academic exchange abroad. Finally, student life is a real added value for us since the associative life occupies a preponderant place in our course due to the variety of associations, the premises that are reserved but especially the budget that is allocated.

Jeanne

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

Makers Spirit

Emlyon business school is a incredible university, i've been able to learn a lot of informations, and making contacts and meet a lot of people. The courses are very interesting and i'm looking foward to earn more experiences (academic or professional).This school gave me huge opportunities and still do, I intend to take them and use them, this school change my life, and me as a character. I want to make it known to as many people as possible, and grow the makers spirit!

Student

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

Digital Marketing and Data Science

Courses are practical, and the program is intensive. We have so many tasks need to fulfill. I love the school provide many career and alumni resources. And also give us many opportunities to approach to different fields.

Student

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

Current Student

Likes: abundant resources the network of alumni is really healpful wonderful location (center Paris) a lot of interesting lectures and company visits the school opens until 2200, great for studying Dislike: not enough spaces to study some study rooms are toooooo cold some classrooms have limited access to charge and the air is stagnant

Maude

Verified

8/02/2025

On Campus

Stepping Into the World of Data

I come from a business background, and I stumbled upon Python a few years ago almost by accident. I found myself spending hours debugging code, completely losing track of time. It was as if a new world had quietly unfolded before me, one I hadn’t even realized I was searching for. But without a scientific background, I felt behind. We tend to put ourselves in boxes, believing certain paths are out of reach. This master’s program proved otherwise. It gave someone like me with a non-technical foundation a chance, it opened the door to data and analytics. Yes, it’s a challenge. The curriculum is intense, and the learning curve is steep, but the support from professors and peers makes all the difference. The hands-on projects, the balance between theory and application, and the exposure to real-world case studies ensure that learning isn’t just theoretical: it’s practical and impactful. I’ve worked on diverse datasets, from images to audio, passing through the more familiar tabular data, and every project pushes me to think critically and experiment confidently. One of the standout aspects of this master’s is the collaborative environment. My classmates come from different backgrounds; engineering, business, social sciences, and that diversity makes discussions richer and group work more dynamic. Slowly but surely, I’m bridging the gap between curiosity and expertise. If you're drawn to data, AI, and the power of code, this master’s might be the door you’ve been waiting to walk through. The question is: Are you ready to take that leap?

Student

Verified

10/02/2025

On Campus

Good school

This school is really very interesting! We learn a lot there and the teachers are professionals and therefore have experience to share with us. The only problem would be just the fact that some teachers are not very educational which makes the lessons sometimes hard to follow...

Student

Verified

10/02/2025

On Campus

An excellent school that deserves its reputation

I am a PGE student at emlyon BS and I am completely fulfilled there: the courses are of high quality, punctuated by stimulating group projects and the associative life allows the class to bond and to spend very good times with people who share a common interest or passion. In addition, the academic excellence of emlyon is recognized both in France and abroad, which allows students to benefit from very good internship opportunities and great career prospects. In other words, I recommend emlyon BS

Student

Verified

10/02/2025

Online

Experience at emlyon

During my time at EMLYON Business School, I discovered a demanding and stimulating academic environment, marked by a strong entrepreneurial culture. The pedagogical approach, focused on learning by doing, allowed me to develop concrete skills in project management and strategic decision-making. One of the highlights of my experience was participating in a business game where we had to manage a fictitious company in a competitive market. This simulation taught me the importance of data analysis and adaptability in the face of economic contingencies. I was also able to interact with professionals at conferences and workshops, which gave me a clearer vision of the challenges of the business world. Finally, the diversity of the student network, made up of international profiles and varied backgrounds, enriched my experience. Working in a team with people with different approaches was a real asset to develop my ability to collaborate and innovate. This immersion at EMLYON has strengthened my entrepreneurial spirit and my desire to evolve in a dynamic environment, where learning is not limited to theory but is anchored in practice and experimentation.

Student

Verified

12/02/2025

On Campus

Nice campus

Located near the center of Lyon which allows for easy commute and proximity to stores/restaurants. Amazing student life, there are events every week (sports, lunches, parties but also networking and work opportunities). Great school if you're interested in consulting or finance as top firms come and teach classes every semester. Some classes are online and some classes are in person. If you come as an international student in the MIM program you cannot do exchanges internationally but there are many double diplomas to chose from. French students have the possibility to do exchanges at MIT, UCLA, Bocconi, Berkeley etc.

Karunasagar

Verified

13/02/2025

On Campus

A Fun and Insightful Learning Experience

Attending emlyon business school has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The MSc in Health Management & Data Intelligence program offers a perfect blend of theory and practical applications, with a strong focus on the healthcare industry. The professors bring a wealth of real-world experience, making the learning process engaging and insightful. The campus life is vibrant and multicultural, providing opportunities to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds. I particularly enjoyed the hands-on projects and the interactive learning environment, which have significantly enhanced my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. One standout moment was participating in the international seminar, where we visited leading healthcare companies and gained firsthand insights into global industry practices. Another memorable experience was the Transforming Early Makers project, which challenged us to innovate and present solutions to real-world healthcare problems. The career services team is supportive, offering guidance and resources that help in preparing for the professional world. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to develop their skills in healthcare management and data analytics. #InnovativeLearning #HealthcareManagement #DataDrivenEducation

Student

Verified

14/02/2025

On Campus

Excellent education and association system

A very diverse courses and cultures are present in the school. It was a place where I learned much, especially about job opportunities. The association life is great. Student can learn a lot of things about the difficulties in work, and allow them to have experience as a future managers.