Heriot-Watt University is to significantly boost opportunities for international collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of energy research with the launch of two new research centres.
The 'virtual' centres are collaborative initiatives for academia and industry to focus on high level research connectivity in the energy sector.
Both were officially launched on Wednesday 2 February by Robin Harper, the Scottish Green Party's spokesperson for education and young people and by Professor Jim Macdonald, chairman of the Energy Technology Partnership.
SISER: the Scottish Institute for Solar Energy Research
SISER - the Scottish Institute for Solar Energy Research - is a pan-university alliance that aims to enhance collaboration in the areas of solar technologies on an international level and position itself as a leading Scotland-based solar research and development institute.
It will provide expertise and facilities to support research and development and future commercialisation in the field through a focus on such areas as high efficiency silicon solar cells, modelling of solar energy devices and photo-voltaic and wind-powered water treatment systems.
CAESAR: the Centre for Advanced Energy Storage and Recovery
CAESAR - the Centre for Advanced Energy Storage and Recovery - is an interdisciplinary research centre designed to enhance collaboration between the University's School of Engineering & Physical Sciences and the Institute of Petroleum Engineering.
Its objective is to enhance knowledge exchange by bridging traditional disciplines to establish a seamless stream of expertise on areas including thermoelectric power generation, fuel cell materials and hydrogen storage materials.
Potential for Scotland's future green economy
Professor Patrick Corbett, head of the Energy Academy at Heriot-Watt University said, "The introduction of these research centres supports our interaction with the international agenda of climate change and sustainability.
Solar and storage technologies will both be key aspects of renewables research, and it's excellent to see Heriot-Watt University building on their existing reputation and commitments in this area
"Heriot-Watt University is recognised for its contribution to delivering practical solutions to the energy agenda. We are confident that the opportunities which will be brought about by these centres will support both the delivery of broader knowledge exchange and expertise, as well as the ongoing business objectives of the University in further positioning itself as a world-class organisation for research, education and training."
Robin Harper MSP said, "The research centres being launched this week have substantial potential for Scotland's future green economy, and will bring together precisely the expertise needed both here and internationally. Solar and storage technologies will both be key aspects of renewables research, and it's excellent to see Heriot-Watt University building on their existing reputation and commitments in this area."
Complementing the University's existing Energy Academy, the centres will further support Heriot-Watt's established reputation as a world-leading hub for research and expertise within science and engineering.