The question on many sharp, young minds is whether pursuing a degree in petroleum engineering is still a smart move. The answer is yes.
Fossil fuels in 2020 met 85% of global energy demand, according to the International Energy Agency and the BP Statistical Review of World Energy. Both project that by 2040, this number will drop by a mere 6%. These predictions indicate that petroleum, and petroleum engineers, will continue to play a vital and leading role in meeting the world’s future energy needs.
These future petroleum engineers will face difficult but rewarding challenges in continuing to meet our increasing global demand for energy. Whether addressing mature reservoirs in decline or newly found reserves in complex and environmentally sensitive regions, progressive thinking is required. Solutions will come through innovation, cutting-edge science and technology, and collaboration in both fundamental and applied research.
My mission is to ensure that the Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering at Texas A&M University continues to produce the highest quality, most sought-after engineers at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. We will continue to succeed in this by attracting the world’s most qualified students, recruiting and retaining the largest and most accomplished faculty, continuously improving our facilities and increasing our close ties to the local and global petroleum industry in order to grow our resources, define our research efforts and provide jobs to our graduates.
Sincerely,
Jeff Spath
Department Head
Director, Crisman Institute for Petroleum Research