Research

Industry Thinkers

Professor Alex Kemp
Director of the Aberdeen Centre for Research in Energy Economics and Finance

Our energy-related research covers a broad spectrum of areas – from characterising reservoirs of oil and gas, to engineering solutions for high temperature and high-pressure, down-hole conditions, to the development of new and renewable energy technologies.

Our internationally recognised research excellence in industrial psychology, petroleum economics and safety engineering provide solutions for the industry.

The results of our innovative research are aiding the development and deployment of new and renewable energy technologies, particularly in bioenergy, wave and wind energy. Our materials scientists and chemists are devising safe means to store nuclear wastes. Our pioneering work on environmental sensing and remediation technologies is providing solutions for the remediation of drill cuttings and hydrocarbon waste streams.

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 our Development Trust and Knowledge Exchange.

Our founding membership of the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) brings us into close contact with the research needs of the developers of renewable energy technologies.

We have world-leading research strengths which are providing solutions for the needs of future energy provision. Project areas include:

• Maximising exploitation of conventional hydrocarbon reserves, including enhanced reservoir imaging and development of innovative drilling technologies
• Nuclear power use (including plant decommissioning and waste)
• Development of bioenergy, wave and wind energy devices and control systems
• Development of fuel cells
• Economic modelling of competing energy strategies
• The legal and planning framework for establishment of alternative energy schemes
• Health and safety impacts and safe implementation of such schemes

We also provide research-led education and training for the energy industries either via our Continuing Professional Development section, for short courses, seminars and conferences or via higher degrees such as our Taught Postgraduate Programmes.