The University of Aberdeen will mark the official launch of its Centre for Energy Transition (CET) with an online event on Monday, 31 May.
The event, introduced by University Principal Professor George Boyne, and featuring a pre-recorded address from Anne Marie Trevelyan, UK Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, will include speakers from industry and from local community group Aberdeen Climate Action, followed by an audience Q&A.
Among those who will speak to an audience of invited audience of industry and civic representatives are Jean-Luc Guiziou, Managing Director of Total E&P UK, Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of Scottish Power, and Alison Stuart of Aberdeen Climate Action. There will also be a pre-recorded message from Steve Scrimshaw, Vice-President of Siemens Energy.
This will be followed later the same day by an online panel discussion – ‘New Technologies for Achieving Low Carbon Economies: Opportunities for Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland’ – featuring leading academics and industry representatives, which is open to the public to attend.
Tavis Potts, Head of the CET, said the launch event will provide attendees with the chance to hear from leading figures from across government, industry and civic society, as well as gain an insight into the University’s ambitions as a global leader in energy-related teaching and research.
He added: “While this event will mark the official launch of the CET, work is already well underway across the University to advance energy transition research in key areas including renewable generation, the hydrogen economy, and biomass and carbon capture and utilisation.
“Through our interdisciplinary approach to research we are pursuing activities that reflect the need for a broad approach to energy transition. At the same time, we are developing education and training that’s responsive to the needs of employers and communities to progress a green recovery, such as the UK's first postgraduate degree programme in Energy Transition Systems and Technologies and our recently launched MSc in Sustainability Transitions.
“The official launch of the CET provides further momentum to our activities as we continue to align our research and education programmes with the opportunities presented by the Net Zero agenda.
“I look forward to welcoming everyone to our online event on 31 May to hear more about our exciting plans.”
Professor George Boyne, Principal, added: “Energy transition forms a key part of the University's Aberdeen 2040 strategy where we pledge to show leadership in working for the sustainable future of our planet.
“We have recently been named among the top 60 universities in the world in terms of our positive impact on society by the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, so are in a very strong position to make further progress in our regional and global contributions to sustainability.
“The launch of the CET is an exciting moment for the University, the energy industry and the north-east of Scotland as we harness our capacity and expertise across research, innovation and skills development to benefit wider society, and support a long-term, sustainable regional and national green recovery based on a Just Transition.
“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 embrace the opportunities that lie ahead in a low-carbon future.”