In energy, the University of Pittsburgh is taking a giant step beyond the binary choice between renewable and traditional carbon resources.
Pitt is establishing a groundbreaking undergraduate degree in Natural Gas, Renewables, and Oil Engineering (GRO), using the Swanson School of Engineering’s broad expertise to ensure that students can adapt to evolving energy demands. Students study geology, chemistry, drilling and oil production along with renewable energy courses such as solar, wind, hydro, biofuels, batteries, fracking and carbon sequestration.
“Industry and society are at a pivot point as our energy portfolio adapts to a complex balance of components, from traditional oil and natural gas to solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric or geothermal,” explains Bob Enick, professor of chemical and petroleum engineering in the Swanson School of Engineering. “This program enables our students to move seamlessly between industries.”