The Energy Boot Camp was created for energy companies’ new employees and their administrative, communication, human resources and other employees not directly delivering energy services, but needing a broad understanding of the industry to better perform their roles. Since 2016 more than 300 state regulatory, utility, trade association and energy company employees have graduated from the course. The Energy Boot Camp is delivered in six modules on site in a one day, ten hour format or virtually in a two day format; three modules and five hours each day. Each participant receives for their personal use a PDF course book of the 250+ PowerPoint slides used during the course and a 15 page directory of energy industry terms and acronyms. A 15 minute break is taken between each module with a 30 minute break taken midday. The base cost of the boot camp is $1200 with $150/person charged for each person in excess of six attending.
Module 1: The Big Picture – Following 15 minutes of instructor and participant introductions, this module present an overview of the United States current and forecasted energy production and consumption; of the participants’ regional energy infrastructure, energy resources and consumption; and of the national and regional issues associated with the current energy transition. This module is a 75 minute module.
Module 2: Hydrocarbons – This module provides a broad examination of United States Coal, Oil and Natural gas energy resource production and transportation. Coal mine types and mining basics are presented. Oil exploration, geology and oil well types are explained. Natural gas exploration, production mechanics including hydro-fracturing and issues are reviewed. This is a 90 minute module which includes 3 short videos.
Module 3: New Energy Resources – This module provides a broad view of United States and global lithium production for battery storage technologies and uranium production for nuclear power plant fuel. In addition, an overview of the supporting service for the energy industry, including consulting, accounting, law and other services is presented. This is a 75 minute module which includes 1 short video.
Module 4: Utilities – An overview of the types of electric and natural gas utilities is provided, covering investor-owned utilities, cooperatives and public power authorities. Federal and state regulation, including FERC, NERC, ISOs, RTOs and state PUCs and how they all fit together. A short course on utility rate making and design is included. The current regulated utility transition is discussed, including the three threats and three opportunities. This is a 90 minute module which includes 1 short videos.
Module 5: Central Power Generation – The different types of central power generation and how different types are used in various demand scenarios is discuss, using a polar vortex event as an example. The operation of a coal-fired power plant is explored in detail and in particular its pollution control processes. Operation of natural gas and nuclear power plants is reviewed. This is a 90 minute module which includes 2 short videos.
Module 6: Renewable Energy – How the Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act is stimulated the rise of renewable energy is presented. Hydro, solar and wind power are reviewed and an explanation of how each generates electricity provided. Battery storage is examined, as well as photovoltaic cell and lithium battery recycling. This is a 75 minute module, including 3 short videos and a brief graduation acknowledgement.