Published:
The University Executive has approved the name change of the Institute of Petroleum Engineering (IPE) to the Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering (IGE), which will be effective from September 2019.
The rebranding of IPE to IGE reflects its ongoing expansion and transition from applying geoscience and engineering skills to sustainable low-carbon energy systems. Going forward, IGE will focus on subsurface engineering technology and innovation for the low-carbon transition, sustainable energy, and responsible resource management.
The new name allows the institute to show leadership and excel in a rapidly changing energy landscape by making lasting contributions in teaching and research that help to decarbonise energy production.
While IGE's proud heritage is closely linked to the integration of geoscience and engineering for the benefit of the oil and gas industry, the institute also has a long history of work in carbon capture and storage and, more recently, in geothermal energy. New projects with the Lyell Centre and BGS will continue to expand IGE's research activities in low-carbon energy production and offer exciting new opportunities to link into a new University-wide global research initiative in sustainable energy.
The name GeoEnergy covers the broad use of the subsurface for energy production and storage. It also encompasses the range of MSc programmes including our flagship MSc in Petroleum Engineering and new MSc programmes in Mature Field Management and Subsurface Energy Systems.
IGE announced the upcoming name change to its alumni and friends at the 81st Conference and Exhibition of the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers, which took place in London on 3-7 June. The conference is the largest and most comprehensive multi-disciplinary geoscience event in the world.
Over the summer, the institute will use both names, IPE and IGE, co-currently and fully transition to IGE at the start of the new academic year in autumn.
We are looking forward to IGE's new chapter in leading subsurface engineering technology and innovation for the low-carbon transition, sustainable energy, and responsible resource management.
For more information about IGE, please contact Professor Sebastian Geiger.