Experts from the University of Aberdeen will be highlighting their renewable energy expertise at this year's annual renewable energy exhibition and conference, All-Energy Opportunities, beginning today (Tuesday, 25 May) at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.
All-Energy Opportunities will be the focus of attention for the whole of the renewable energy industry. The two-day event will be held over three days, opening at midday today, 25 May and closing at 2.00pm on 27 May. Energy Minister, Stephen Timms, will open the show and Scottish Executive Minister, Lewis Macdonald, has agreed to speak, and to hold one of the regular FREDS (Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland) meetings during the event.
Delegates will hear about the latest developments in the renewable energy industry and will have the opportunity to attend keynote presentations by leading lights in the renewables field. The exhibition and conference will again provide a topical update on all renewables - wind (onshore and offshore); hydro, wave, tidal, biofuels, solar and hydrogen/fuel cells - as well as such essential subjects as grid and transmission issues and funding.
The University will be highlighting its significant research capabilities in renewable energy as well as in the oil and gas sector, much of which is directed at renewables.
The University conducts research relevant to the energy industries and current energy research is dominated by the needs of the oil industry. At least 100 staff from 15 Departments are involved in energy- related research. There is a close interaction with the international oil and gas industry, including sponsored research and studentships, consultancy, and student sponsorship, much of which is facilitated through the University's Institute for Energy Technologies.
In addition to having its own stand, the University will have a presence on the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) and the World Renewable Energy Congress (WREC) stands. The University is a member of the AREG and Professor Paul Mitchell, Director of Research, College of Physical Sciences, is one of the Directors who is chairing one of the conference sessions, on Bioenergy (Wednesday, 26 May, at 9.45am). As active participants in the AREG, academics from the University will help the AREG update delegates on wider energy, research and policy developments.
The University is hosting the WREC 2005 Conference next May, which will provide an explicit link between renewable energy, the environment and sustainability. WREC 2005 in Aberdeen will provide a crucially important UK and European focus for renewable energy research capabilities, technologies, products and ambitions. The international event is expected to attract over 500 delegates from more than 100 different countries. It will run concurrently with the All-Energy Opportunities 2005 conference and exhibition, highlighting Aberdeen's reputation as a vibrant, dynamic centre of excellence for renewable energy research and development.
Professor Mitchell welcomed the return of this year's All-Energy Opportunities Conference and Exhibition. He said: "The conference and exhibition is an excellent opportunity for the University of Aberdeen to showcase its growing expertise in the crucially important area of renewables. The University is committed in its support of the renewable energy business.
"Participating in major events such as All-Energy Opportunities is very important to us in providing an opportunity for our academics to meet companies and key players and exchange ideas in this rapidly changing industry."