Energy Future

If it was once easy to take for granted the process by which energy is magically available in the plug sockets and light switches in our homes or in pumps at filling stations, that is no longer the case: the question of how to meet the world's rapidly growing energy needs has become one of the most significant facing politicians and society. Reliable supplies of oil, gas and coal - to provide heat, light and mobility - must be secured at a low environmental cost.

That means scientific creativity. For example: R&D in fuel cells, renewables, nanotechnology, biotechnology, batteries, clean coal, carbon capture and storage, and the technology to tap oil reservoirs in remote offshore locations, economically and cleanly.

Finding the workforce of tomorrow to carry out vital tasks such as these has become one of the most pressing problems facing energy companies: even if the natural resources and technology are available, there may not be enough people to do the job.

If you are interested in technology, science, economics, social development, environmental issues, politics, geopolitics, a wide range of career opportunities, travel and cultural diversity, then few careers are likely to be as fulfilling as one in the energy industry. And if you feel strongly about green energy, environmental protection and climate change, then arguably the best chance you will have to influence the energy options of the future is from within the energy business. But this is not well understood by students; many with science degrees aspire to work in other sectors.

In 2006, Silverstone Communications set up the world's first independent network of leading universities, a platform for promoting stronger links between business and the academic community. Today, the network comprises over 150 universities in 43 countries.

Last year, Silverstone published the first edition of How the Energy Industry Works: An Insiders' Guide. Covering oil, gas, power, coal, nuclear and alternative energy, the guide provides students and new hires at energy companies, who need to get to grips rapidly with a wide range of complex issues, with an invaluable and easily digestible insight into the inner workings of the energy industry. A directory of leading employers provides a selection of the best companies to work for in the sector. You can read the 2007 edition here.

It was extremely popular among students and, at some universities, was used to supplement course material. We are now working on the 2008 edition, which will be published in July for the start of the new academic year.

We welcome comments on the 2007 guide and suggestions for the content of future editions. Please contact Tom Nicholls, the editor: tnicholls@energy-future.com.