The Crucial Role of Research and Development in the Energy Transition
Written by Roger Daynes, Head of Region – Scotland
The UK energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven principally by the urgent need to address climate change, energy security and economic sustainability.
Concurrent to this is a level of unprecedented political turmoil in both Westminster and Holyrood. In the case of the latter, the highly publicised breakdown of the Bute House Agreement was triggered by the Scottish Government’s recent decision to abandon its target to cut carbon emissions by 75% by 2030. Instead, Scotland will follow the lead of the UK and Welsh governments by setting a target date for net zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045 (5 years ahead of the 2025 target set by the UK Government).
This climbdown by the Scottish Government exposes two key factors in the global pursuit to decarbonise; firstly, that any targets set must be proportionate and achievable. Secondly, that the transition to green energy must be achieved in a manner that protects both the wider economy and people’s livelihoods.
The driver of this transition will be scientific and technological advancements in R&D. Decarbonisation has necessitated a shift towards renewable energy sources and in Scotland we’re seeing a commitment to innovation that is exemplified by its establishment of the world’s first Floating Wind Innovation Centre (based in Aberdeen’s Energy Transition Zone).
Challenges such as the need for more on-street electric-car charging points, as embraced by Trogen Energy (another Aberdeen-based organisation), underscore the ongoing demand for R&D to overcome EV-infrastructure hurdles.
These two examples alone signal Aberdeen’s intent to pivot its much-lauded position as the “energy capital of Europe”, earned for its significant contribution to the oil & gas industry over the past 30 years, and to regain that position in terms of low-carbon energy.
As the UK energy landscape evolves, there is a pressing need for our newly elected UK Government to ensure a just transition for workers in traditional energy sectors. Hundreds of thousands of individuals are employed in the oil and gas industries, necessitating efforts to safeguard their livelihoods while facilitating their transition to new roles in the renewable energy sector. Moreover, attracting a young and skilled workforce to the emerging energy industries is imperative for long-term sustainability.
The onset of the Ukraine war 2 years ago has underscored the importance of enhancing energy security through diversified sources, and while the focus is on transitioning towards renewable energy, innovation in fossil fuels remains crucial. Efforts to improve the efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of oil and gas industries through R&D highlight the dual nature of energy innovation. Businesses such as Verlume, based in Aberdeen, exist solely to enable energy companies (including subsea and offshore wind) to reduce their carbon footprint through intelligent energy management.
So, this multifaceted journey will require continuous innovation and cross-sector collaboration. From pioneering advancements in renewable energy to the responsible management of existing resources, R&D will play a central role in navigating the complexities of this transition, the safeguarding and creation of jobs, and economic growth. By setting ambitious targets, embracing new energy sources whilst balancing current energy needs, the UK (with Scotland playing a central role) is ready to tackle global problems and be world leaders in low-carbon technology.
