Research will look to renewables

ERI leads new projects

Two new research programmes with UHI Millennium Institute will help to put the Highlands and Islands at the forefront of Scotland's drive to generate electricity from renewable sources.
Both are being co-ordinated by North Highland College UHI from it's Environmental Research Institute (ERI) in Thurso, and will support 10 post-graduate placements of 12 months each and 12 research positions at masters level for 12 or 24 months.
Funded by the European Social Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the programmes will support research opportunities in renewable energy generation, developing local skills in generating electricity from wave, tidal, wind, solar, biomass and waste energy sources.
Project co-ordinator Richard Hunt said: "Politicians and scientists recognise that the Highlands and Islands hold the key to Scotland meeting it's target of generating 40 per cent of it's electricity from renewable sources by 2020."
He continued: "These new programmes will ensure that local graduates will be at the forefront of this opportunity."
North Highland College UHI is committed to developing research and training services which address the needs of the Highlands and Islands.
Aiming to research, develop and implement the use of renewable energy in the Highlands and Islands, the new projects will be delivered across the region at UHI partners Shetland College, Lews Castle College, Orkney College and the Scottish Association for Marine Science at Dunstaffnage, near Oban.
Mr Hunt, who has worked extensively within the generation industry and renewable fields, joined the Thurso team from Scottish Power.
He explained: "We want to develop local skills within the workforce, so each placement will be undertaken in partnership with existing commercial, stakeholder and regulatory bodies.
"The outcome of the research will be delivered at regular public events throughout the region."
Rosemary Thompson, principal of North Highland College UHI, said the projects would advance the ability of the Highlands and Islands to develop indigenous expertise in renewable energy.
Dr Stuart Gibb, director of the ERI, said: "The Scottish Executive has set ambitious goals for the generation of renewable energy in Scotland.
"These innovative programmes, and the recruitment of Richard Hunt as project co-ordinator, are a clear demonstration of UHI's ability to respond to key issues which affect the future sustainability of the Highlands and Islands region."

Anyone wishing further information on these programmes or placement opportunities should contact Richard Hunt at the ERI on 01847 889594/89 or e-mail at richard.hunt@thurso.uhi.ac.uk