Mapping Relevant Petroleum Engineering Skillsets for the Transition to Renewable Energy and Sustainable Energy

Abstract In the last century, the global energy mix has been primarily dominated by fossil fuels. However, commitments to tackling climate change have accelerated the conversations on transitioning to a lower-carbon future. This is beginning to influence governmental policies, investors' and shareholders interests, workforce preferences, academic curriculum adaptations, and student choices. Given the coordinated approach from government, industry, and academia necessary to facilitate this transition, it becomes increasingly essential to map the relevant skillsets for the energy transition. This paper aimed to identify the skill sets oil and gas students and professionals have that will be relevant in advancing a renewable and sustainable energy future. The study focused on students and professionals within Nigeria to address the conditions unique to the country and other fossil-fuel-dependent developing and emerging countries. First, a survey was conducted on students and young professionals to identify the knowledge gap in clean energy technologies and digitalization technologies. Subsequently, the skills oil and gas professionals have were mapped with the different renewable and sustainable energy technologies to identify overlaps between the oil and gas industry and low-carbon energy technologies. The results showed that the technical competencies of oil and gas industry professionals were most relevant in carbon storage, hydrogen storage, and geothermal energy. On the other hand, non-core oil and gas competencies such as project management, HSE (health, safety, and environment), and business development skills, cut across all low carbon technologies. These competencies appeared to be more relevant for renewable energy resources like solar, wind, and hydropower. Data science and digital skills cut across all the new energy technologies. The main deliverables of this study were a skillset map and a progressive curriculum that embraces digitalization, entrepreneurship, and clean energy technologies. This study provides a skillset map where students and professionals can identify their competency gaps for renewable and sustainable energy technologies. This will enable them (and organizations) to know how to develop upskilling and reskilling strategies and provide academia with insights on how to modify the current oil and gas engineering curriculum in universities. Although the paper drew on data-driven insights within Nigeria, the findings apply to schools and organizations globally.