Energy research is a core activity at Heriot-Watt University with established expertise that spans exploration to conservation and an associated annual research income in excess of £5m. The perspective of energy research at the University has changed in recent years and our interaction with the international agenda of climate change, sustainability and security of supply has informed a 'big picture' vision of how best to match our skills-base to the emerging research challenges. Forward-looking consideration of the energy system has led to the formation of the Heriot-Watt Energy Academy. Energy is one of the main themes in the University Strategy and can look forward to increased investment in 2008-9.
Post-holders will be located within schools but have additional responsibilities to promote activity across the University through the Energy Academy. In return the Energy Academy will provide support through its network, website, marketing, seminar, personal contacts, etc.
Heriot-Watt University has an established reputation for practical solutions across the energy agenda. Combined with the pedigree of the relevant disciplines from within the University, we deliver a cohesive and co-ordinated approach to research and learning in the wider field of energy on a national and international scale.
We will follow the example of the world-renowned Heriot-Watt Energy Academy, as a virtual centre fostering information exchange, co-ordinating and collaborating across the University’s interests in energy resources and production, carbon capture and storage, energy utilisation and efficiency.
Our strong track record of commercial knowledge transfer to the energy economy allows us to develop and extend our core technical capabilities, research and educational capacity in distinctive areas of strength and opportunity. This is reflected in our strategy, as is the imperative of reducing dependence on fossil fuels while accepting the practical reality that they will continue to be a vital component of energy supplies for the immediate future. As Scotland’s most international university, these energy education opportunities reach out globally to areas of the world where rising energy demand and security of demand are major societal drivers.
Major initiatives include:
- Optimizing the discovery and recovery of oil and gas reserves, in a world of growing demand and more challenging availability.
- Lead on developing photovoltaic systems, playing a major role in future energy supply given the ability to generate electricity directly at the point of consumption.
- A research programme at the International Centre for Technology in Orkney on marine renewables with particular interest in marine environmental impacts.
- New MSc courses in energy subjects, with an emphasis on economics and management as well as business.