Plans for a new £100 million-centre of excellence in research, innovation and teaching – which will help safeguard society’s energy needs – have been announced by Aberdeen University.
The purpose-built Energy Building will create a new learning environment and facilities to lead the way in conducting research in maximising economic recovery of existing fossil fuels, carbon capture and storage, renewable energy and energy economics.
The planned location will be close to the Sir Duncan Rice Library. Construction would be followed by the demolition of the university’s Meston Building.
Industry body Oil and Gas UK has welcomed news of the “ambitious” project.
Professor Sir Ian Diamond, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University, said: “The University of Aberdeen has a long and proud international reputation for world class research and innovation in energy and science.
“Such ground-breaking research requires cutting edge facilities, an environment that encourages cross-collaboration in different disciplines, and a ‘shop front’ suitable for welcoming visits from industry sponsors and other stakeholders.
“The new Energy Building seeks to meet these needs, providing state-of-the-art facilities, and much required capacity, to enhance greatly our research, teaching, collaboration and outreach activities.
“This building will provide world class facilities for our academics, students and industry partners, as well as a new home for the Aberdeen Institute of Energy; consolidating our position as a global energy university.”