Innovative approaches to helping Scotland secure long-term leadership in sustainable energy solutions and deliver an orderly energy transition were showcased by the University of Aberdeen at Holyrood last night.
An 80-strong audience of MSPs, policy makers, industry representatives and other stakeholders attended the University’s parliamentary event, entitled ‘Accelerating the Energy Transition in Scotland and Beyond’.
They heard how the University has for the past five decades been a trusted partner to government and industry, delivering independent, data-led, evidence-based research and training programmes to address the global energy challenges and advance Scotland’s net zero ambitions.
Professor John Underhill, the interdisciplinary director for energy transition, spoke about how the University’s world-leading research supports Scotland’s energy future by driving industrial decarbonisation, informing energy policy, managing offshore spatial pressures, and enhancing workforce skills to secure Scotland’s global leadership in the energy transition.
The reception, which was hosted by Kevin Stewart MSP, also gave politicians the opportunity to engage directly with the University’s leading experts and discuss opportunities for collaboration in areas such as offshore wind, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, decommissioning, geothermal and delivering a just transition.
“All aspects of the energy system, from exploration and production to consumption and decommissioning, must change. Our research seeks solutions to deliver a reliable, affordable, environmentally sustainable and climate compatible low-carbon energy system that ensures the transition is managed, orderly and just as we decarbonise and meet ambitious net zero targets,” said Professor Underhill.
“As parts of the world increasingly move towards renewable energy sources, the transition from oil and gas must be managed carefully to tackle fuel poverty and avoid imposing hardship yet ensure energy security. The transition strategy in Scotland will need to reassure communities about job security of those currently employed in the North Sea’s oil and gas industry while developing tangible new opportunities in renewable technologies.
“The challenge is inter and multi-disciplinary, and all aspects of the University’s research and training activity play a crucial role in providing solutions for low-carbon net-zero goals. For Net Zero to be successful it must obtain and retain public support, through continuous engagement, with people and places. Aberdeen is leading the way in the research needed to identify opportunities to accelerate decarbonisation and to design technically informed solutions that tackle societal challenges such as fuel poverty, sustainable local economies, wellbeing and social justice.”
Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin MSP said: “We are determined to ensure a successful energy transition for the North East and indeed for the whole of Scotland.
“Our universities have an international reputation for excellence in research, and it’s clear from what we heard here tonight that the University of Aberdeen is at the forefront of accelerating the energy transition both here in Scotland and internationally.
“The Scottish Government is committed to continuing to work in partnership with universities, supporting and amplifying innovative research like this to help ensure a sustainable future for us all.”
“There is a need to decarbonise and transform the UK's and global energy systems to reduce emissions, achieve NetZero and climate targets,” added Principal Professor George Boyne.
“Academics, government and all sectors must continue to work together to map a just transition for energy global systems. The University’s interdisciplinary approach is a key enabler for this work as energy transition spans all of our five interdisciplinary research challenge areas.”