electiveHQ

Most of the World's energy requirements are currently provided from fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal). Ireland currently imports all its oil and coal and much of its gas and in the current absence of significant indigenous fossil fuels reserves or resources the county is particularly vulnerable to interruptions of these energy supplies. This module will examine the geological setting of fossil fuels, both conventional and non-conventional, together with techniques for exploration and production. It will also deal with the chemistry and engineering of crude oil refining and examine current and likely developments in this field in the light of increasing global concern over carbon emissions. Carbon capture and storage/sequestration (CCS) is increasing becoming a potentially important method of moderating emissions while of maintaining carbon-based energy systems. The range of current and potential methods of capture and of sequestration will be examined.