SCE 601 - Clean Energy Pathways using the Subsurface

Course Description

Achieving climate goals will require energy systems to undergo a transformation of unprecedented scope. The long-term goal for energy transition is to shift away from fossil-based resources entirely, which is why emissions reductions require strategies and deployment of innovative processes that rely on renewable energy instead.

Discover different Clean Energy Pathways (CEPs) that require subsurface evaluation for the emerging and already employed energy transitions ahead. The CEPs covered in this introductory course are Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), Hydrogen Production and Storage (HPS), Geothermal Energy (GE) and Critical Elements for the Energy Transition (CEET).

Course Details

By completion of this course, successful students will be able to:

• Explain the critical role of four CEPs (CCS, HPS, GE and CEET) in achieving global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions
• Discuss fluid properties and phase behaviour of CO2 in the subsurface
• Provide examples of subsurface targets for geological carbon storage
• Understand methods used for containment and conformance monitoring of CO2
• Discuss innovative methods for producing hydrogen from natural gas, bitumen and coal
• Discuss targets and methods for utility-scale storage of hydrogen in the subsurface
• Explain the principles of geothermal energy, including in hot sedimentary basins and using closed-loop systems
• Understand the characteristics of critical elements (minerals) for the energy transition, with specific application to lithium, uranium and helium

Topics of instruction

1. Introduction to Clean Energy Pathways (CEPs)
2. Overview of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
3. Overview of Hydrogen Production and Storage (HPS)
4. Overview of Geothermal Energy (GE)
5. Critical Elements for Energy Transition (CEET)

Applies Towards the Following Program(s)

• Subsurface Evaluation for Clean Energy (SECE) Microcredential : Required