Permian Basin Talent Pool Can Lead In Carbon Capture and Storage
October 02, 2023
Dr. Nelia Dunbar, director and state geologist of the Bureau of Geology and Mineral
Resources, co-authored an op-ed that was published in the Albuquerque Journal on Oct.
1, 2023. Her co-author is Tramaine Anderson-Silvas of Odessa College in Odessa, Texas.
In their editorial, the authors bring attention to the established talent pool in
the Permian Basin, who are ready to step up and lead the way in the next era of renewable
energy.
Excerpts:
"We believe the Permian region can lead a decarbonized energy economy in the same
way we have led the fossil fuel-focused energy economy since the 1923 discovery of
oil here....
"And we’re ready to lead. Our two states have a top-notch network of higher education
institutions such as Midland College, New Mexico Junior College, Southeast New Mexico
College, Texas Tech, the University of Texas Permian Basin and our institutions, Odessa
College and New Mexico Tech. We have trained generations of energy professionals,
equipping them with the skills needed to build companies expert in oil and gas extraction.
Today’s challenge is adapting those skills to meet the demands of a changing energy
landscape. We see this as an opportunity."