The article “The Future of Net-Zero Engineering Leadership” by Baroruchi Mishra, Group CEO of Nauvata Energy Transition (NET) Enterprise Pvt. Ltd, emphasizes the pivotal role of engineering in advancing net-zero projects such as Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), Green Hydrogen, Offshore Wind, and Biofuels.
Mishra highlights that while fundamental engineering principles remain constant, the unique challenges of net-zero projects necessitate significant re-skilling of traditional engineering professionals. Key points from the article include:
Equifinality and Multifinality: Engineers must understand that multiple pathways can achieve the same end goal (equifinality), such as producing green electricity through wind, solar, or ocean waves. Similarly, a single system can serve multiple purposes (multifinality), like geological COâ‚‚ storage enabling the production of low-carbon steel, cement, hydrogen, and biofuels.
Design Code Challenges: Current design codes for energy transition projects are still evolving and need harmonization across regions. Developing these codes alongside emerging technologies presents challenges, especially since pilot plants may not accurately represent the operational risks of large-scale facilities.
Educational Paradigm Shift: Achieving net-zero goals requires unprecedented collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers. Engineering education must rapidly incorporate relevant net-zero courses, such as COâ‚‚ sequestration in reservoir engineering and hydrogen-focused syllabi in chemical engineering.
Laboratory Upgrades: Engineering labs should be equipped to analyze core samples for COâ‚‚ injection and study interactions with rock surfaces, aiding both education and industry project development.
Mishra concludes that a comprehensive transformation in engineering education and practice is essential to meet net-zero objectives, necessitating swift adaptation and collaboration across sectors.