What is Fuels & Energy?
Fuel and energy engineers research and develop ways to improve the efficient use of energy and to minimise environmental damage from its conversion into usable forms. Many industries employ fuel and energy engineers to assess environmental impact and manage energy usage. They may also work in fuel production industries, manufacturing companies or as consultants.
Fuel and energy engineers tackle the problem of providing us with safe and reliable sources of energy. Without energy, we would not have heating, lighting, or the power we need to run manufacturing industries and transport systems.
Most energy is produced by the combustion of fossil fuels. However, atmospheric pollution from power stations, transport and industrial processes causes problems such as acid rain, global warming and the reduction of the ozone layer. For these reasons, many fuel and energy engineers are developing methods of reducing emissions from fossil fuels or exploring renewable energy technologies.
Many fuel and energy engineers work in the production of fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas. Their aim is to use these existing fuels as efficiently as possible, thereby conserving reserves for as long as possible. They also research, test and develop techniques to minimise atmospheric pollution, for example, reducing emissions of oxides from sulphur and nitrogen in the coal-fired power generation industry.
In the oil industry, fuel and energy engineers develop lubricants and detergents to make sure combustion engines are clean and working efficiently.
Other fuel and energy engineers are based in research departments, working on projects such as methods to improve diesel and gas turbine combustion, and investigations into the formation of pollution. Fuel and energy engineers also research, develop and test alternative sources of energy such as tidal, wind, solar and geothermal power.
In manufacturing, fuel and energy engineers design, research, test, commission and install energy equipment like furnaces, boilers, gas turbines and engines. Fuel and energy engineers are also involved in car manufacture, helping to meet strict exhaust emission legislation and working on catalytic converters.
