Energy science commitment

Published: 24 October 2014

The University of Glasgow has reaffirmed its continuing commitment to a vibrant range of teaching and research activities in energy science and engineering. It follows the recent decision to withdraw investments in the fossil fuel industry.

The University of Glasgow has reaffirmed its continuing commitment to a vibrant range of teaching and research activities in energy science and engineering. It follows the recent decision to withdraw investments in the fossil fuel industry. The decision is subject to reassurance that the financial impact for the University is acceptable and will entail the reallocation of around £18 million of current investments over a 10 year period.

The statement is aimed at reassuring staff and students of the University's continuing involvement in teaching and research in energy science and engineering, including fossil fuels and renewables.

The University's recently issued statement says:  

"At a time when it has stated its intention to reduce over time its endowment investment in fossil fuels, the University of Glasgow is committed to sustaining and developing its vibrant range of teaching and research activities in energy science and engineering, including both fossil fuels and renewables. These activities include:

  1. Undergraduate degree programmes that equip our students with skills which are essential not only in the renewables sector, but also in the fossil fuels industry, including geological exploration and offshore surveying. Many of our alumni work in those professions.
  2. Postgraduate taught programmes including sustainable energy (which covers both renewables and responsible use of fossil fuels).
  3. Postgraduate research activities addressing areas such as climate change, emissions minimisation and the progressive decarbonisation of fossil fuels.
  4. Research projects addressing issues such as: how to make further fossil fuel use as sustainable as possible; how to harness the skills and facilities of the hydrocarbons sector for effective carbon capture and storage and for geothermal; delivery of combined heat and power and lower-carbon transport fuels; and new uses for carbon that keep it out of the atmosphere in the long-term.

In view of their impact on the climate, there is a need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, but it will be necessary to continue to use them for many decades to come. For instance, gas turbines are the most promising technology yet available to balance the variable generation from wind turbines and other renewables. Moreover, natural gas is crucial to keeping heating affordable for UK households, and is proving key to alleviating the poverty of those one in six humans who currently lack access to modern energy services."

First published: 24 October 2014

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