RESILIENT ENERGY GEOSCIENCE & ENGINEERING COURSES

A New Education and Workforce Development Initiative offered by the University of Utah.

As the energy transition unfolds, geoscience and engineering students and the existing workforce will need to be trained in the science and technology of newer energy extraction and carbon management concepts.

These concepts will be developed through five modularized courses at the graduate levels.

Renewable Energy

This course will cover all aspects of renewables including hydrogen, wind, solar, bio-gas, geothermal, and next-generation nuclear. This recognizes Utah’s Renewable Energy corridor and highlights the University of Utah’s leadership in high and low-temperature geothermal energy. For example, EGI’s FORGE project is a one-of-a-kind research project. It also provides an unmatched teaching and training opportunity.

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Sequestration

CCUS is encompassed by carbon management. Carbon management is becoming an important skillset for all. This course will provide a background in technical, environmental, and policy issues relevant to carbon capture, as well as CO2 utilization technologies and sequestration.

Power and Energy Systems

Complementary to exposure to carbon management concepts, the workforce should appreciate managing energy. This course will focus on energy optimization, alternative energy usage, and smart grid technologies. Studies will be introduced to cyber security considerations relevant to the grid and energy security.

Geoscience for Energy Transition

Energy, mineral, water, soil and food resources are generated through complex, interacting sets of materials and processes operating at the Earth’s subsurface, land surface, oceans and the atmosphere. This course presents an in-depth understanding of Earth’s dynamic systems and substances, how geoscience techniques are employed for energy and mineral exploration and extraction, and how geoscience skillsets are essential to energy transition to low-carbon economies with environment-friendly and secure energy supplies.

Energy Entrepreneurship

The energy business landscape is changing. Startups, entrepreneurial ventures, and social consciousness are transforming as well. This course will cover the growing world of energy startups and monetization of energy technologies including policy and societal issues.