Industry invests £600,000 to support acceleration of the energy transition

Companies operating in the energy sector are backing the University’s research into the Energy Transition to the tune of £600,000 to support the creation of a new research initiative focused on decarbonising the oil and gas sector and advancing the shift to clean energy.

Nine companies (BP, Chevron, CNOOC, ExxonMobil, Equinor, Harbour Energy, Shell, Spirit Energy and TotalEnergies and endorsed by Offshore Energies UK (OEUK)) are involved in the initiative. They are providing the funding to support training and PhD studentships as part of a new Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) based in the School of Geosciences.

Led by Professor John Underhill, the University’s Director for Energy Transition, the new initiative will focus on delivering world-class academic research to accelerates the energy transition by equipping a new generation of researchers with the skills, knowledge and expertise required to provide energy security yet reduce emissions and decarbonise.

Acknowledging the significance of the award, Professor John Underhill said:
“The starting point on the journey to net zero is very challenging as oil and gas still provides three quarters of the UK’s energy needs and finding ways to decarbonize industry at pace while supplementing this activity with carbon storage, wind farms, geothermal and other renewable technologies. In supporting these studentships our funders have sent a strong message about the confidence industry has in the Centre’s ability to progress the energy transition and support the industry’s shift to a cleaner future.”

“The University of Aberdeen has a long history of delivering innovative solutions that address current and future energy challenges. Over the past 10 years we’ve had 110 PhD students graduate from our existing CDTs, all of whom have been employed in a relevant discipline, showing the relevance of the programmes, and the appetite that exists for highly skilled and well-trained practitioners in the energy sector.”

“Being situated in Europe’s energy capital and a city renowned throughout the world for technological development and inspiring solutions, we are best placed and well connected to understand the needs of the industry and make a real difference by offering practical solutions that ensure Britain has the secure and reliable low-carbon energy sources it needs.”

David Whitehouse, Chief Executive Officer of Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) said: 
“Our sector is proud to support the UK Centre for Doctoral Training. The centre can help to create the next generation of experts we need to lead a homegrown energy transition right here in the UK. Skilled people are this sector’s most valuable asset, and it will be exciting to see graduates from this centre work on the innovative breakthroughs we need to build our energy future for many years to come.” 

Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce said:
“This is a brilliant example of industry and academia collaborating to address one of the big issues facing the UK’s energy sector today. As we look to transition towards a clean energy future, the narrative around industry is putting future generations off from pursuing careers where they can be the climate solution, not the problem.
“Unlike many academic institutions, it’s refreshing that University of Aberdeen understands and respects the enormous contribution the oil and gas sector has played and will continue to play in keeping our lights on for decades to come and are open to working with operators on fantastic initiatives such as this.”

Andrew Kulpecz, General Manager UK Upstream said:
“We are proud to join other energy leaders in supporting the University of Aberdeen’s research on the energy transition. Meeting the demand for affordable, reliable, and ever-cleaner energy is critical and as the world transitions to a lower-carbon future, we will need scale, speed, and solutions. At the heart of this will be a pipeline of talent, with the creativity and ingenuity to deliver the lower carbon energy needed today while building the energy system of tomorrow.”

Neil McCulloch, Chief Executive Officer for Spirit Energy said:
“We are pleased to fund world-class research into the Energy Transition led by the University of Aberdeen. Spirit Energy recognises the energy industry's significant role in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions while meeting society's energy needs. We take this dual responsibility seriously and welcome this new research initiative, which will aid the decarbonisation of our industry and advance toward cleaner energy.”

Louise Kingham CBE, bp’s Senior Vice President, Europe and Head of Country, UK said:
bp is Backing Britain through the CDT research and education initiatives, to support acceleration of the UK’s net zero ambitions. We have been a part of people’s lives in the UK for more than 100 years. That’s over a century of producing energy, stimulating economic growth, creating jobs and, through our vast supply chain, helping UK companies to prosper. We are proud to support home grown energy transition solutions like the CDT, furthering business, community and environmental value for the UK and beyond.”

Nicolas Payer, UK Country Chair at TotalEnergies said: 
"This kind of partnership approach to research and development is crucial to the UK's energy future. The work done by the CDT supports the development of new ideas in areas including carbon capture and the decarbonisation of oil & gas operations, topics we are already progressing but which we need to continually push the boundaries of. The programme supports the next generation of the energy industry, right here in Aberdeen, and we are delighted to support it."

Nick Terrell, Industry Chair, Subsurface Task Force said:
“We fully support and endorse the University of Aberdeen's research into the Energy Transition and its new Centre for Doctoral Training. This initiative will provide independent, world-class subsurface research and training, playing a crucial role in achieving the UK's Net Zero targets. We extend our congratulations to Professor John Underhill, the University’s Director for Energy Transition, and his team for securing this significant industry funding."

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