Nine leading energy companies have pledged £600,000 to support University of Aberdeen research into the energy transition.
Alongside bp, Chevron, CNOOC, ExxonMobil, Equinor, Harbour Energy, Shell, Spirit Energy and TotalEnergies, Offshore Energies UK (OEUK)) has endorsed the initiative.
The companies’ funding will 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 leading research to accelerate the transition by equipping a new generation of researchers with the skills, knowledge and expertise required to boost energy security, reduce emissions and foster decarbonisation.
Professor 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 decarbonise industry at pace while supplementing this activity with carbon storage, wind farms, geothermal and other renewable technologies, remains a priority.
“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,” he said.
“The University of Aberdeen has a long history of delivering innovative solutions that address current and future energy challenges.”
“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 the centre can help create the next generation of experts we need to lead a homegrown energy transition.
“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,” he said.
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce said 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,” he said.
Andrew Kulpecz, Chevron General Manager UK Upstream said meeting 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,” he said.
Neil McCulloch, Chief Executive Officer for Spirit Energy said it 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,” he said.
The British Standards Institute 2024 Net Zero Barometer report found costs were a challenge in meeting Net Zero targets for more than half (51%) of organisations surveyed, and only around a third (35%) have set targets.
In a July 2021 report on fiscal risks, the Office for Budget Responsibility estimated a net cost of the UK reaching Net Zero by 2050 to be £321bn, or just over £10bn per year.
McKinsey estimates that global spending on physical assets in the transition would amount to about $275 trillion between 2021 and 2050, or about 7.5% of GDP annually on average. The biggest increase as a share of GDP would be between 2026 and 2030.
Read more: Fuelling change, ensuring safety: The intersection of innovation and safety in the energy transition
