What Is Petroleum Engineering and Why Is It the Backbone of the Energy Industry?

Introduction

Energy demand continues to grow steadily across the world each year. In 2023, global energy consumption reached 620 exajoules-an increase of 2% compared to 2022. While renewable energy sources have expanded in recent years, fossil fuels still account for 82% of the global energy supply.

This underscores the importance of petroleum engineering. Petroleum engineers play a crucial role in the exploration, extraction, and production of oil and natural gas-key resources that power transportation, residential infrastructure, and manufacturing industries. Despite its importance, the number of students choosing petroleum engineering as a career is declining. However, with the rising present and future energy demands, there is a growing need for trained professionals in this field. Petroleum engineers not only contribute to current energy production but also develop innovative solutions to enhance the sustainability of oil and gas operations.

Also Read: What Next? Types of Diploma Courses in Engineering

What is Petroleum Engineering?

Petroleum engineering is a specialized branch of engineering that focuses on the discovery and recovery of oil and natural gas resources located deep within the Earth. These energy sources are vital for various purposes, such as powering vehicles and homes, and for manufacturing products like plastics and pharmaceuticals.

What Do Petroleum Engineers Do?

Petroleum engineers are responsible for:

• Exploring Oil and Gas: Working alongside geologists, they use advanced technology to identify hydrocarbon deposits beneath the Earth’s surface.
• Designing and Managing Drilling Operations: They plan and implement drilling procedures to safely and efficiently extract oil and gas.
• Overseeing Production and Storage: Engineers ensure the secure and efficient extraction and storage of resources to maximize recovery.
• Innovating Technology: They develop new methods to improve oil and gas extraction while minimizing environmental impact.

How to Get Into Petroleum Engineering?

If you are considering a career in petroleum engineering, here are the steps to follow:

1. Choose Science in 11th and 12th
   • Opt for a science stream that includes Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
   • English is also a required subject for admission into most engineering colleges.
2. Clear Entrance Exams

   Most engineering colleges in India require candidates to clear entrance exams:

   • JEE Main & JEE Advanced – For admission into top institutions like IITs and NITs.
   • BITSAT – For admission into BITS Pilani.
   • State-level Engineering Exams – For entry into various state engineering colleges.
   • Private University Exams – Universities like UPES, PDPU, and SRM conduct their own entrance tests.
3. Pursue a Petroleum Engineering Degree

   Enroll in a B.Tech or B.E. in Petroleum Engineering, a four-year undergraduate program.

Top Petroleum Engineering Companies in India

The Indian business sector operates multiple companies which specialize in oil and gas exploration together with refining and production activities. The following list includes the major companies which recruit petroleum engineering professionals:

1. ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) – India’s largest oil and gas company.
2. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) – One of the top refiners of petroleum products.
3. Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) – The company maintains the operation of one of the biggest oil-refining facilities across the globe.
4. Cairn India – Throughout its operation, the company provides services in oil exploration alongside producing oil assets.
5. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) – Throughout the petroleum sector, this organization conducts petroleum refining operations as well as executes marketing operations at every stage.
6. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) – Works in refining and distribution.
7. GAIL (Gas Authority of India Limited) – Focuses on natural gas processing and distribution.
8. Oil India Limited (OIL) – The company participates in the oil and gas production industry.
9. Essar Oil – Engaged in refining and exploration.
10. Schlumberger & Halliburton – International oilfield service companies with operations in India.

Job Roles in Petroleum Engineering and Their Average Salaries

The completion of petroleum engineering enables you to pursue different professional careers. Several important roles exist in the market, along with their average salaries in India based on annual income figures.

1. Reservoir Engineer

• Studies underground oil and gas reserves and estimates how much can be extracted.
• Salary: ₹7–12 LPA (Lakhs Per Annum).

2. Drilling Engineer

• Plans and supervises drilling operations to extract oil and gas.
• Salary: ₹6–10 LPA.

3. Production Engineer

• Ensures smooth production of oil and gas from wells.
• Salary: ₹6–11 LPA.

4. Petroleum Geologist

• Studies rock formations to find oil and gas deposits.
• Salary: ₹7–13 LPA.

5. Completion Engineer

• Designs and implements methods to safely extract oil from wells.
• Salary: ₹6–9 LPA.

6. Pipeline Engineer

• Works on designing and maintaining pipelines for oil and gas transportation.
• Salary: ₹5–9 LPA.

7. Refinery Engineer

• Works in refineries to process crude oil into usable products.
• Salary: ₹5–8 LPA.

8. HSE Engineer (Health, Safety & Environment)

• Ensures safety standards are followed in oil and gas operations.
• Salary: ₹5–9 LPA.

9. Mud Engineer

• Manages drilling fluids to make drilling operations efficient and safe.
• Salary: ₹6–9 LPA.

10. Petroleum Economist

• Analyze the financial aspects of oil and gas projects.
• Salary: ₹8–15 LPA.

Why Is Petroleum Engineering the Backbone of the Energy Industry?

Energy companies rely on petroleum engineering as a cornerstone of the energy industry. From exploration and extraction to the final applications of oil and natural gas, this field powers much of everyday life. The energy industry recognizes petroleum engineering as fundamental due to five key contributions.

Provides Energy for Daily Life

The global demand for energy is primarily met by petroleum and natural gas. Petroleum engineers are responsible for extracting these fuel sources from deep underground, enabling the operation of vehicles, airplanes, manufacturing units, and power plants. Meeting the world’s growing energy needs is impossible without petroleum engineering.

Supports Economic Growth and Jobs

Petroleum production generates millions of jobs worldwide-for engineers, technicians, and plant personnel. Nations experience economic growth when they commercialize their oil and gas reserves. Key industries like transportation, construction, and manufacturing rely heavily on petroleum products.

Helps Develop Advanced Technology

Petroleum engineers use cutting-edge technology to improve exploration and extraction processes. Innovations in modern drilling techniques have made operations safer and more cost-effective. Breakthroughs such as offshore drilling and fracking have significantly enhanced efficiency and output in the oil sector.

Ensures Energy Security

An uninterrupted petroleum supply reduces a country’s dependence on foreign energy sources. Engineers play a critical role in discovering new oil reserves and improving extraction methods, thereby maintaining consistent energy access. Energy security supports stable power for industries, businesses, and homes.

Supports Transition to Cleaner Energy

While renewable energy is growing, petroleum engineering remains vital for current global energy needs. Engineers are developing cleaner fuel options, including natural gas-which emits fewer pollutants than coal. They also lead carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects to reduce emissions from oil and gas operations.

Notable Contributors in the Field of Petroleum Engineering in India

Dr. Sadanand D. Joshi

Dr. Joshi earned his bachelor’s from Walchand College of Engineering, followed by an M.Tech. from IIT Bombay and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University. His pioneering work in horizontal well technology revolutionized oil and gas extraction. He founded Joshi Technologies International Inc. (JTI), which provides consulting services to the oil and gas sector. Oil and Gas Investor magazine named him among the 100 most influential individuals in the industry.

Dr. T. S. R. Prasada Rao

Born in 1939, Dr. Rao specialized in petroleum refining and heterogeneous catalysis. He served as Director of the Indian Institute of Petroleum and as Deputy General Manager at Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd. A prolific researcher and editor, Dr. Rao was honored with the Om Prakash Bhasin Award and the Petrotech Lifetime Achievement Award.

Alok Kulkarni

After earning a degree in Industrial Electronics from Mumbai University, Alok began his career as a field engineer in 2005. His early interest in energy economics led him to explore various industrial sectors. He believes the oil and gas industry offers abundant opportunities for graduates looking to build impactful careers.

Also Read: The Future of Reverse Engineering: Trends and Emerging Technologies

Conclusion

Petroleum engineering plays a critical role in fueling transportation, supporting industrial manufacturing, and sustaining economic growth. The profession is also at the forefront of technological innovation and sustainability in energy. As the world evolves, petroleum engineers will be central to ensuring stable and cleaner energy solutions.

For students aspiring to join this field, choosing the right educational path is key. While the journey requires financial commitment, solutions like Varthana’s student loans can make quality education more accessible. Learn more about financing options here.