University moves to embrace energy transition opportunities

The University of Aberdeen will showcase its expertise in energy research at this year's SPE Offshore Europe, as it announces its ambition to create a new Centre for Energy Transition.

The Centre - which aims to build on the University’s status as a global leader in energy research and teaching - will align research and education programmes with the opportunities presented by the net zero agenda.

Inspired by the far-sighted vision of Sir Ian Wood’s report into the future of the oil and gas industry, it will provide a focus for all areas of energy-related research, with an emphasis on supporting industry in the transition to clean energy and renewables.

The plans align with a new 20-year strategic plan for the University, currently under development, with interdisciplinary research and sustainability key planks of its contribution to the long-term economic future of the north-east of Scotland.

The benefits of this approach have already been seen in the University’s partnership with the Oil and Gas Technology Centre on the new National Decommissioning Centre (NDC), where academics are working across disciplines to fully maximise the opportunities presented by this emerging sector.

A panel discussion taking place at the NDC on Wednesday, September 4 is among a range of activities planned throughout the week of Offshore Europe, including on-stand activities (Stand 2F21) where leading academics will be on hand to discuss the opportunities in research and education offered by the University.

This will include information on research in the fields of AI supporting the oil and gas sector, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, decommissioning, energy law and economics, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR).

The University will also host students from its award-winning PrototAU hydrogen racing team following their success in this summer’s Shell Eco-marathon, while welcoming schoolchildren as part of skills body OPITO’s ‘Energise Your Future’ event.

University of Aberdeen Principal, Professor George Boyne, said: “As an Aberdonian I take pride in our city’s status as a global energy capital, and as Principal I am committed to ensuring that the University helps the region to retain that status for decades to come.

“Our Centre for Energy Transition will seek to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead for the region in a low-carbon future, supporting the sector in making the transition through research and teaching, while nurturing start-ups and spin-outs.

“Our interdisciplinary approach to research means that the University is perfectly positioned as a catalyst for collaboration right across the energy supply chain, and our aim is to work with industry at all levels to support the shift to sustainable energy.

“Throughout Offshore Europe our staff will be on hand to talk about our world-leading energy research, as well as the online and flexible learning opportunities available across our suite of energy programmes.  We look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand.”