Aberdeen’s two universities have both now founded energy institutes to build on their existing oil and gas expertise.
Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen has said it is to set up an International Institute for Oil and Gas.
The new institute, part of a new Oil and Gas Strategy, will see £8 million investment over five years, including the recruitment of new staff, and will build on the university’s existing oil and gas-related training and research.
Specific areas of focus are to include: brownfield development through enhanced oil recovery, asset integrity, subsea engineering and decommissioning; unconventional oil and gas; leadership; industry collaboration; oil and gas finance and economics; applied offshore healthcare.
Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, principal of RGU (pictured), said funding had already been sourced from the Wood Family Trust, which has donated £500,000 towards the foundation for the new institute.
RGU’s move comes just months after the University of Aberdeen announced plans for a new institute of energy, to create a global center of energy research, industry collaboration and education.
Aberdeen Institute of Energy is being led by John Scrimgeour, as executive director of the institute. Scrimgeour is known in the oil industry and has expertise in field development, operations, and subsurface.
An advisory board containing strong representation from industry will work alongside Scrimgeour in his new role. Academic energy activity will be drawn together from a broad cross-section of disciplines involving physical, environmental and social scientists, engineers, economists and lawyers.
The University of Aberdeen said every stage of the energy life cycle will be covered, from demand through exploration, production and generation, distribution and consumption, to environmental impact, and the choices and behaviors which in turn influence demand.
Professor Sir Ian Diamond, principal and vice-chancellor, said: “The result will be a center of excellence in interdisciplinary research, professional development and education that is a one-stop shop for the energy sector. It will be the principal source of information and guidance for those charged with making energy policy, and a symbol of the university’s commitment to playing a leading role in securing a safe, sustainable energy future for generations to come.”
The Institute will be in a purpose built facility of about 15,000sq m on the university’s King’s College campus.
Professor Jim Anderson, leader of the University’s Energy Research theme, said the university would also tackle challenges across the whole energy system - including economic modelling, licensing and regulation, environmental impact and energy transmission.
This year already the university has made 20 additional appointments to grow its energy-related research capability, including new chairs and senior appointments in energy law, geophysics, geology, engineering, chemical engineering, and energy politics.
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