Undoubtedly, green energy is the path to the future. Petroleum engineers will play a pivotal role in advancing the world’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and develop cleaner methods for fossil fuel production, alongside the ever-growing renewable energy sector. While solar, wind, and nuclear power will take center stage in the energy landscape, oil and gas will continue to be crucial for decades to come.
According to a 2019 study by Resources for the Future, oil is expected to remain the world’s primary energy source in 2040. Meeting this demand will require new wells, as indicated by a February 2021 report from McKinsey & Co., estimating an increase of 23 million barrels per day in oil production.
Petroleum engineering graduates will lead the way in responsibly locating and efficiently extracting these resources. Many leading oil and gas companies acknowledge the importance of sustainable technologies and environmental responsibility. Companies like ExxonMobil are investing billions to reduce emissions, including carbon capture technology, while BP and Royal Dutch Shell aim for net-zero emissions from production by 2050.
As a petroleum engineer, your role encompasses all stages of resource extraction, from identifying potential sources and evaluating their economic viability to overseeing the drilling process and resource transfer to refineries. This expertise also extends to understanding sub-surface geological processes, opening doors to diverse opportunities like carbon storage, geothermal energy, and energy storage solutions for renewables.
The demand for petroleum engineers, known for their subsurface engineering expertise, remains high. In 2021, the average annual salary for petroleum engineers is $137,720, placing it among the top-paying professions. As the industry evolves to meet environmental goals, this demand will persist, particularly with an aging workforce.
The transition to net-zero emissions involves making every step as eco-friendly as possible. Petroleum engineers will be at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring energy production aligns with sustainability goals.
At the University of Tulsa’s McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering, a leading institution in the field, students explore how petroleum engineers can excel in the evolving energy landscape. The curriculum covers topics such as CO2 sequestration, sustainable water management, geothermal energy, and intermittent storage of hydrogen and compressed air.
According to Mohan Kelkar, Chair of TU’s McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering, “This isn’t the same oil and gas industry as a decade ago. Every hydrocarbon producer acknowledges the need to diversify. While oil and gas remain vital, the next generation of petroleum engineers must be prepared to work in the cleanest way possible.”
Studying petroleum engineering at TU places you at the forefront of this evolving industry. The McDougall School is the largest department at TU, boasting a graduate employment rate of over 95% within six months of graduation. Students learn using industry-standard software and equipment and engage in research projects sponsored by major energy companies, ensuring they are ready to make a real impact in the field.
Choose TU’s McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering for a future that’s both sustainable and promising.