University’s renewable energy expertise to be showcased

Experts from the University of Aberdeen and the Robert Gordon University will be highlighting their renewable energy expertise at this year’s annual renewable energy exhibition and conference, All-Energy, which begins tomorrow (Wednesday, May 23) at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.

All-Energy 07 will be the focus of attention for the whole of the renewable energy industry and the two-day event is measuring up to its reputation of being bigger and better each year. Following the success of last year’s event, which attracted 2,850 attendees and 220 exhibiting companies, the 2007 show - the seventh in the annual series - will be the largest all-renewable energy exhibition ever held in the UK, with a stunning multi-stream conference for you to attend free of charge, an exciting Giant Networking Evening and much more.

The University of Aberdeen is joining The Robert Gordon University on the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) pavilion at this year's All-Energy event. The stand will display information on current energy research activities such as the new Energy Futures Research Centre, which is an international centre of excellence in renewable energy and a joint initiative between the University of Aberdeen, The Robert Gordon University and Aberdeen City Council. We will also highlight ways in which industry and academia can work together to develop energy research and display details of our Energy related teaching programmes.

The Universities will be highlighting their significant research capabilities in renewable energy as well as in the oil and gas sector, much of which is directed at renewables. The institution welcomed the news that Aberdeen is in the running to host the hub of the £1 billion energy centre to the Granite City. Last week (May 14), bids from five outstanding university organisations were short-listed to house the UK’s new Energy Technologies Institute (ETI). The announcement by Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling, confirmed that a consortium, which includes the University of Aberdeen, is on a shortlist of five to host the hub of the UK’s proposed Energy Technologies Institute (ETI). This is an important time and signals the distinctive energy strengths Aberdeen city has and our enthusiasm we share within the consortium for hosting one of the most important energy initiatives in decades – one that will help us to underpin Aberdeen’s future as a City of energy

.

Aberdeen conducts research relevant to the energy industries and current energy research is dominated by the needs of the oil industry. At least 100 staff from 15 Departments are involved in energy-related research. There is a close interaction with the international oil and gas industry, including sponsored research and studentships, consultancy, and student sponsorship, much of which is facilitated through the University’s Institute for Energy Technologies.

The Robert Gordon University has an international reputation in marine renewables and its research team is now collaborating with local authorities, developing sustainable solutions to fuel poverty, and with Chap Homes Ltd for new eco-housing developments that will supply most of their energy from local sources, reduce their water consumption and minimise their environmental impact, both long and short term.

Delegates to All Energy 07 will hear about the latest developments in the renewable energy industry and will have the opportunity to attend keynote presentations by leading lights in the renewables field. The exhibition and conference will again provide a topical update on all renewables – wind (onshore and offshore); hydro, wave, tidal, biofuels, solar and hydrogen/fuel cells – as well as such essential subjects as grid and transmission issues and funding.

The University’s Institute of Energy technologies will be showcasing the institution’s wide range of expertise in energy related R&D, consultancy services, CPD events for the energy industries and our portfolio of taught masters programmes targeted at meeting the needs of the energy industries.

Professor Paul Mitchell, Director of Energy Technologies welcomes the return of this year’s All-Energy Conference and Exhibition and said: “The All-Energy conference and exhibition is growing in its size and reputation year on year and is an excellent opportunity for the University to let the renewable energy industry know about the strength and breadth of our R&D capability and how our research findings feed into our consultancy, CPD and post graduate teaching activities.

“The University has a huge level of expertise in the area of renewable energy both from within the institution and across the region and we are committed in our support of the renewable energy business.

“Participating in major events such as All-Energy is very important to us in providing an opportunity for our academics to meet companies and key players and exchange ideas in this rapidly changing industry.”

The College of Physical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen has a number of taught Masters programmes in Future Energy Technologies significantly expanding its existing portfolio. The MSc programmes connect students with experts in the technical, social and management issues that determine the provision of society’s future energy needs.

The College has a clear vision to provide academically challenging programmes of study for undergraduate and postgraduate students and to lead the field in cutting edge research activities. The innovative postgraduate programmes will provide key skills for graduates entering an area of vital importance to the future of the UK and global economy.

The future of our energy supplies has become an increasingly high-profile topic in recent years and we are at a time of unprecedented interest in this area. These are truly challenging times, and one of the reasons why the University has decided to introduce new programmes that will give graduates wishing to contribute to the future of the energy sector an excellent head start.