The SPE Azerbaijan Section recently concluded the successful SPE Energy School, an educational project dedicated to energy transition and unconventional sources of energy. From November 2022 to June 2023, the 8-month journey empowered local students and young professionals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the changing energy industry.
With its focus on technical preparedness for the evolving energy sector, SPE Energy School provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of theoretical concepts and practical experience. Through engaging case studies, enlightening field trips, stimulating debates, and interactive workshops, students delved into the world of energy transition. To ensure top-notch guidance, leading professionals from renowned corporate organizations, governmental bodies, international organizations, and esteemed academic establishments were carefully selected to serve as mentors and instructors. Notable contributors included representatives from industry giants like BP, Equinor, TotalEnergies, Baker Hughes, Masdar, the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan, TotalEnergies Professeurs Associés (TPA), and other key organizations.
The selection process for this year's SPE Energy School included a rigorous exam, assessing candidates on various subjects such as physics, circuit theory, hydrodynamics, organic and nonorganic chemistry, renewable energy fundamentals, and logical reasoning tasks. Those achieving the highest scores were then invited for interviews, ensuring a cohort of the most promising and talented individuals.
We are proud to have welcomed 20 exceptional participants from four universities and three companies to this year's energy school. Over the course of the program, 22 insightful sessions were conducted, covering essential modules such as introduction and industry overview, solar energy, wind farm, biomass, hydrogen, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). In addition to these modules, students had the exclusive opportunity to attend a week-long course on climate change and energy transition delivered by TPA. Sponsored by TotalEnergies Azerbaijan, this collaboration allowed students to earn a certificate from TPA, TotalEnergies, and SPE Azerbaijan.
Beyond technical knowledge, participants were exposed to a diverse range of subjects, including lectures on startups, economics, and geopolitics. They also embarked on an exciting field trip to a hybrid solar, wind, and biomass station, gaining practical insights into renewable energy infrastructure. Furthermore, a project competition was held, challenging students to tackle close to real-life case topics. The jury, consisting of professionals from the Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency, TotalEnergies, and Saipem, assessed the projects presented by the student groups. The team comprising Zohra Nabiyeva, Zumrud Pashazade, Ayshan Gurbanova, and Chingiz Nasirov emerged victorious, impressing the jury with their project on the "Feasibility of Using Onshore Reservoirs in Azerbaijan for a CCUS Project." Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Equinor and TotalEnergies Azerbaijan, all participating students received their presents.
The successful conclusion of SPE Energy School marks a significant milestone in shaping the future of Azerbaijan's energy industry. By equipping the next generation with invaluable knowledge, practical skills, and industry connections, this initiative paves the way for sustainable development and fosters innovation in energy transition and unconventional energy sources. As the first educational project of its kind in Azerbaijan, SPE Energy School sets a benchmark for excellence and serves as a testament to the commitment of the SPE Azerbaijan section in empowering aspiring energy professionals.
