Energy Research Centre and Joint Chair in Energy Futures

The Centre for Research into Renewable Energy, has been established jointly by the University of Aberdeen and the Robert Gordon University and supported by Aberdeen City Council – a new initiative which will further enhance the city’s world-leading reputation in energy research.

Professor Hicham Indriss has been appointed as Chair in Energy Futures, jointly held by the University of Aberdeen and the Robert Gordon University.  The Joint Chair will significantly strengthen and complement the research capacity of the two universities in renewable energy technologies.

The University of Aberdeen, The Robert Gordon University and Aberdeen City Council have signed a collaborative agreement and contributed £700,000 for an initial three year period.  Both universities already have strong but complementary research profiles with the energy industries, notably oil and gas.

This new initiative will build on existing renewable energy capacity in marine energy at the Robert Gordon University and bio-energy and wave expertise at the University of Aberdeen. Both universities currently conduct research into fuel cell technologies and have excellent links with local industry.

The new agreement aims not only to develop the city’s renewables research capacity, but also to appoint a high-calibre new Professorship in Energy Futures, with the aim of integrating these research strengths to build a critical mass of well-resourced researchers underpinning the emerging renewable energy industry.

Professor Albert Rodger, Vice-Principal and Head of the College of Physical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen said, “This is a strategically important collaborative venture which will bring a step change in Aberdeen’s renewable energy research capacity. By combining the resources of the two universities and working closely with industry, we have the potential to develop a truly world-class Research Centre in Energy Futures at Aberdeen.”

Professor Jim Penman, Vice Principal for Research at The Robert Gordon University said, “This is an exciting and timely collaboration. RGU already has an international reputation in marine renewable energy systems, and this initiative will allow Aberdeen to widen further the research base and bring with it the capacity to provide solutions to the real problems facing this energy sector. It is a vital component of Aberdeen’s future in the energy business.”

Iain Todd, the Renewables Champion with Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group said, “This announcement from Aberdeen’s two universities is great news for renewable energy in the city. This is a subject that is full of research opportunities, and the new chair and Research Centre will give Aberdeen a leading role not just in the UK but in the international scene.