Khalifa University of Science and Technology and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) have launched a minor in Energy Transition academic programme for undergraduate students.

The minor in Energy Transition programme is designed for all engineering and science majors and will provide students with an insight into the challenges and opportunities in transitioning from conventional fossil-based energy sources to more sustainable and lower-carbon alternatives. The programme will also help students understand how the energy landscape is transforming and open a pathway to possible future careers across the energy industry.

The programme supports the goals of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and highlights ADNOC’s commitment to equipping young talent with the skills required to build successful careers in the energy sector. These goals emphasise the critical importance of switching from fossil fuels to clean and renewable energy sources, thus improving energy security by lowering our reliance on limited fossil fuel supplies while reducing our carbon impact.

John O’Reilly, President of Khalifa University, said, "As a research-intensive higher education institution, Khalifa University firmly believes in collaborating with key stakeholders to develop local and regionally relevant academic programmes that are designed to benefit the global community. The launch of the minor in Energy Transition programme in collaboration with ADNOC will definitely create and nurture skill sets to steer the UAE in the sustainability arena, especially in policymaking and rapid adoption of renewable energy."

Yaser Saeed Al Mazrouei, ADNOC Executive Director, People, Commercial Corporate Support, said, "Nurturing talent is a top priority for ADNOC, and we are very pleased to partner with Khalifa University to introduce the minor in Energy Transition programme. The energy landscape is fast evolving, so it is important that we empower our young people with the skills and knowledge required to enable our industry to transition to a lower-carbon future. As a responsible global energy provider, ADNOC will continue to invest in our youth and support initiatives that will help them to play leading roles in the energy transition."

Students taking up the minor in Energy Transition programme must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of coursework – three core courses for nine credits and two technical elective courses for six credits. The core courses are Introduction to Energy Transition Management, Energy Policy and Economics, as well as Innovative Low-Carbon Energy Conversion Systems.

Students will also have the option to select any two technical elective courses out of the following – Carbon Capture and Storage, Climate Change Policy and Risk Management, Pollution Prevention and Waste Management, Introduction to Clean Energy Production, as well as Renewable and Sustainable Energy.