Carlos Cabrera, Emeritus UOP
October 29, 2009
Chemical Engineering’s Role in Energy Solutions
Abstract:
Chemical engineers have historically played an important role in nearly every breakthrough technology in the energy industry. From the beginnings of the petroleum refining, petrochemical, and natural gas industries challenges have consistently been overcome through innovations that stretched current knowledge. As the energy industry now faces a new slate of challenges, from heavier feedstocks to increasing regulations, chemical engineers are developing new technologies and looking at novel approaches to help our world find solutions. It is important not only to identify long term sustainable energy solutions, but we must also develop strategies to map the transition from current technology to clean and low carbon energy sources. These include technologies for processing heavy crude oil, more efficient refinery/power generation operations, and developing the use of renewables to address sustainability and environmental regulations. In addition to solving one of the most pressing of the world’s problems, chemical engineers are uniquely positioned to become engaged and active not only in inventing and developing the solutions, but in assisting political and government institutions in formulating sound policy.
Date posted
Jun 17, 2019
Date updated
Jun 17, 2019