20 Jan 2006
Scottish Secretary Alistair Darling opened a new Energy Academy today and heard how Scottish-based researchers are tackling some of the major energy issues of the 21st century.
Mr Darling was on a visit to the International Institute of Petroleum Engineering at Heriot-Watt University.
The new academy at the university's Edinburgh campus will bring together staff and students from across the university to focus on renewable energy and development of clean fossil fuels.
Mr Darling said: "Energy is crucial to modern society and meeting demand while reducing emissions and protecting the environment is a huge challenge.
"Heriot-Watt's Institute of Petroleum Engineering has grown from its original remit of providing support and expertise to the North Sea oil and gas industry to become a world leader in hydrocarbons and energy issues.
"This is a great basis from which to move into renewables and cleaner energy. The expertise being nurtured and developed in centres of excellence such as this will play a vital role in increasing efficiency and developing the right energy mix."
The launch marks the latest stage in more than a century of focus on energy issues by Heriot-Watt. Work has spanned mining techniques and high tech projects for the oil and gas industry, through to the low carbon fuels and renewable energy sources being developed today.
Professor Patrick Corbett, Head of the Institute of Petroleum Research said: "Oil and gas continue to be huge and vital industries, and we have earned international recognition as one of the leading centres of excellence in petroleum engineering.
"We are now building on the legacy developed throughout last century, channelling our expertise, experience and cutting-edge technology into addressing the energy challenges of the future."