Annual Report 2012/3

Transcription

1 Annual Report 2012/3

2 01 Energy Technology Partnership Foreword A s Chairman of the Energy Technology Partnership (ETP), and on behalf of my fellow ETP Directors, I am delighted to write this foreword to the 2012/3 Annual Report. This has been an exceptional year for the ETP as it goes from strength to strength since its inception in Our 12 member universities are strong and independent in their own rights but have remained committed to the collaborative ethos of ETP, where together we can be even stronger and compete with the best across the globe. Our success remains predicated on the conduct of excellent basic research, post-graduate education and highly effective means of translating our activities to outcomes that support technological innovation, increase economic growth and enhance Scotland s international reputation in energy. There has been much progress and many successes over the past year, and I would like to highlight two exemplars of our increased focus on industry collaboration for economic benefit. Our Knowledge Exchange Network was established in early 2012, designed to increase ETP s support to industry, particularly Scottish SMEs. We now have a high calibre, industry facing team of business development managers in place across the ETP geography who are already making a significant contribution to the energy sector. Over 80 companies have been supported this year. Our flagship Industry Doctorate Programme continues to grow with nearly 60 PhD students (the lifeblood of any academic body) and 40 sponsoring companies, both large and small. We are ambitious and aim to grow this to 100 PhD students over the next few years. ETP s success could not have been achieved without the continued support of our many partners, from the energy and power industries, Government, public sector and a variety of other organisations. I thank you all and am hugely encouraged that we are witnessing in Scotland a real convergence of our separate interests, in the pursuit of competitive advantage. I would also like to thank the members of our Advisory Group, chaired by Ian Marchant (CEO of SSE), for their continued support and guidance. ETP has worked hard to become a leading international energy research consortium and a trusted delivery partner and we take this responsibility seriously. Going forward, I hope that many more companies will find benefit from working with ETP and I would strongly encourage you to make the most of this opportunity. Professor Sir Jim McDonald

3 02 It has been a great privilege to Chair ETP s Advisory Group for the past four years. The ETP has created a real sense of collaboration in Scottish energy related research and development. I would strongly encourage companies of all sizes to explore the variety of ways that they too can collaborate with the ETP for both short term and long term economic benefit. Ian Marchant, CEO of SSE and Chair ETP Advisory Group Research Excellence T he Energy Technology Partnership is a part of the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) Research Pooling initiative that has invested over 350m in the Scottish research base in the past 5 years, with a specific focus on engineering and basic sciences underpinning the work of the ETP. The pooling investments have advanced and improved the Scottish research scene to reach a position consistent with leading international research performance levels. ETP has unparalleled energy capability and core research strengths across a range of energy technologies as shown below: Wind Energy Marine Energy Grid, Power Systems & Networks Solar Energy Bio-Energy Carbon Capture & Storage Energy Conversion & Storage Energy Utilisation in Buildings Oil & Gas Coupled with research pooling, this provides an integrated energy technologies community that is providing strong leadership in the UK/ EU/global energy arenas. The cohesion displayed by the Energy Technology Partnership is exemplary and provides a strong basis for collaboration with a wide variety of business, public sector and other partners. This has enabled ETP to build on its foundation of research excellence and increase its impact in the areas of Knowledge Exchange and Skills. Knowledge Exchange Skills Research Excellence

4 03 Energy Technology Partnership Knowledge Exchange T he Energy Technology Partnership has strong industrial and academic links throughout the UK and internationally. We have a track record for delivering successful commercialisation of new technologies through clearly focused demonstration and development activities underpinned by world-class research. This is across all aspects of the pipeline, from conceptual and feasibility studies through to research, testing, development, demonstration and commercial deployment. ETP has significantly increased its capacity for industrial engagement through the launch in November 2011 of a 3m project funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Funding Council. An experienced team of Business Development professionals is now in place, focussed on supporting companies in the energy sector, in particular Scottish SMEs. Company Supports by Theme Area Contact us Please contact us to arrange a meeting with an ETP Business Development Manager to discuss your needs and aspirations and explore the best way we can help you. Contact details can be found on the inside back cover of this brochure. 6 Business Advice and Support We will help you explore a market opportunity; including technical advice and support; determining market size and competition; or developing collaborative networks. We are ideally positioned to help you network with customers, suppliers and collaborators. ETP can connect you to over 1000 world leading academics and researchers within our universities. Successful partnerships 13 The Energy Technology Partnership has supported nearly 100 companies and we aim to work with at least 300 organisations during the first three years of the programme. Energy in Buildings Bio Energy Grid & Power Marine Energy Wind Energy Carbon Capture & Storage Energy Laboratory Solar Energy Conversion & Storage

5 04 Case Studies This company in the energy safety market approached ETP to help develop its understanding of the International Electrotechnical Commission s (IEC) Technical standard and how it would impact on product development. ETP identified a suitable university expert, produced a detailed technical report and organised a dissemination workshop. This allowed the company to assess the changes required for it to continue selling its products in international growth markets. Waterevolution has developed a novel gray water recycling/heat recovery system. ETP provided business support by brokering engagement with Fife Council which led to a trial of four units in Fife s flagship sustainable housing development. The company subsequently invested in their first production facility in Livingstone recruiting 8 staff. ETP continues to support the company by facilitating links to key market players and product manufacturers. Heriot-Watt University spin-out, Hydrason Solutions Ltd is developing sonar systems and data process for underwater sensing and was experiencing power output and heat dissipation issues on one of its electronic components. After scoping out the technical details, ETP project managed the work for the company, working alongside a PhD student and his supervisor to undertake a technical analysis that identified the nature of the problem and potential solutions. Hydrason s CEO Chris Capus said: It was very useful to have the opportunity to look in more depth at this part of our system and we were able to identify some useful future avenues for exploration. This work is now likely to lead to a secondstage project delivered by ETP partner organisation, RenewNet. Funding Our Business Development Managers do not charge for their time and we can even provide funding for some activities with Scottish SMEs. We can also help companies identify Scottish, UK and European funding such as through Scottish Enterprise and the Technology Strategy Board.

6 05 Energy Technology Partnership Access to testing and demonstration facilities Crucial to the pull-through of energy technology is the close physical and intellectual proximity of the academic and business communities with innovative demonstration and deployment facilities. The Scottish Energy Laboratory (SEL) was launched by the First Minister in February 2011 and is a network of, and entry point into, Scotland s leading energy test and demonstration centres. There are over 50 facilities (60% in ETP and 40% in companies) with a combined investment value of over 250m. We can help you find the right testing facility with the right academic support to get the most out of your time. Through SEL we can offer facilities and services such as wind tunnels, wave tanks and high voltage network testing. Glasgow University is testing Gamesa s wind turbine blade aerofoil sections. If successful this project will validate the facility s wind tunnel capability and the SEL will support its marketing to the wider wind industry. An innovative Scottish SME, Scottoiler, has developed a novel chain lubrication system which improves energy efficiency. Independent testing and verification of their technology is required and SEL has brought together test rigs at the Energy Technology Centre and academic support from the University of Strathclyde to provide an integrated solution for the company.

7 Over 50 facilities (60% in ETP and 40% in companies) with a combined investment value of over 250m Scottish Energy Laboratory (SEL) The All-Waters Combined Current and Wave Test Facility, operated by FloWave TT at the University of Edinburgh, will provide large scale laboratory testing to the offshore renewable energy sector. The facility is unique in offering highly realistic wave and tidal simulation in a circular test tank.

8 07 Energy Technology Partnership Sponsoring a PhD in CFD at the University of Edinburgh has enabled the company to gain confidence in modelling the air flow in NGenTec s novel permanent magnet generator, thus adding value to our in-house expertise. Prof. Markus Mueller, Founder NGenTec Skills T he energy sector offers enormous potential for a challenging and rewarding career. The Energy Technology Partnership has several programmes aimed at improving engagement with industry and developing the employability of our post-graduate students. Energy Industry Doctorates This programme has been running since 2010 and currently supports nearly 60 high quality PhD studentships, all with strong industry engagement. Participation provides companies with a cost effective means of supporting, over a 3 year period, applied R&D directly relevant to their development challenges. All projects have a common theme, to help address real life challenges relevant to the sponsoring companies technology development needs. Thirty nine companies, have already benefited from the programme. Supported Projects by Theme Area There is additional funding available for more studentships and we are seeking industry partners to work with us to define new projects relevant to your business aims. For more details about our on-going projects visit our website

9 08 Working with the ETP has enabled the Pure Energy Centre to develop a complete new product range to our current services. It has embedded new knowledge and capabilities within the company that otherwise would not have been achievable due to time constraints. The ETP has provided access to high quality professional academic expertise which has enabled the company to take its simulation capabilities to the next level, allowing us to offer more efficient and affordable solutions to our end customers and broaden our economic base. Elizabeth Johnson, Business Development Manager, Pure Energy Centre Energy industry Masters This programme aims to improve collaboration between companies and universities by providing opportunities for postgraduate masters students to undertake energy-related work based projects. These shorter (2-3 months) projects address real needs within organisations and ETP will work with companies to help scope out the project. ETP has more than 2000 Masters students, across over 100 energy-related courses. The project benefits companies (at no cost), universities and masters students by; Greater Links between Industry and Universities The project offers masters programmes and companies an ideal opportunity to work together, sharing knowledge and expertise. Real World Projects Companies have the opportunity to address a real need within their organisation by allowing students to apply knowledge gained through their university studies. Enhanced Employability Students gain invaluable experience in the workplace, enhancing their employability and refining their career plans. Raising the Standard of Postgraduate Qualifications in Scotland Students are enthusiastic about opportunities to gain experience in the workplace; likewise, employers value graduates with such experience. The Masters programme runs annually and ETP will issue a call for project proposals in October, although we can discuss this at anytime. Students typically select projects by Easter and commence work in May. For more information on getting involved, visit our website

10 09 Energy Technology Partnership energy skills partnership powering the future The energy skills collaboration between ETP and the Energy Skills Partnership is unprecedented and offers industry a way of engaging with college and university students from modern apprenticeships through to doctorates. Jim Brown, Energy Skills Partnership Continuing Professional Development ETP universities have a wide range of high quality CPD courses targeted at industry and those looking to enter into the energy sector. We can offer some attendees a 50% discount to make access to such courses easier and more attractive, especially to SMEs. We collaborate with The Energy Skills Partnership (Scotland s colleges) who also deliver CPD and together can offer an integrated and diverse range of training opportunities for business. In the past two years we have delivered over 70 courses and trained over a 1000 learners. Attendees Courses For a list of current CPD courses visit our website

11 10 Contact Us For further information about working with us, please contact one of our Business Development Managers listed below: Ray Waters Carbon Capture & Storage James Sinfield Marine Energy Paul Ellsmore Wind Energy Darran Gardner Grid, Power Systems and Networks Anne-Marie Fuller Solar Energy Scott Lilley Energy Conversion & Storage Donald Booth Energy utilisation in Buildings Terry Hogg Scottish Energy Laboratory Ashutosh Choubey Bio Energy Gordon Winton Oil & Gas

12 Energy Technology Partnership Tel: E: