Academic leaders at UHI North, West and Hebrides have spoken of their ambitions to put island communities at the heart of the new global energy economy.
Reflecting on a successful International Energy Storage Conference at the Stornoway campus of UHI NWH on Wednesday 29 August – the first of its kind – the college issued a statement.
The conference, sponsored by Point and Sandwick Trust, brought together energy leaders, researchers and industry experts from across the UK and internationally to explore how communities can play a bigger role in developing, and benefiting from, the renewable energy revolution.
With growing expertise in energy education, research and knowledge exchange, UHI NWH said it is “helping to connect island communities with global partners and build the skills needed for the energy economy of the future”.
Roddy Ferguson, Head of Department, Construction and Engineering at UHI North, West and Hebrides, was among those addressing the conference.
He said: “For several years, the Stornoway campus of UHI North, West and Hebrides has specialised in the development and delivery of energy-related curriculum, knowledge exchange and research led by Dr Alasdair Macleod.
“Our college has engaged in national and international collaborations, with the latest being our partnership with Thekwini TVET College in Durban, South Africa, sponsored by the British Council where we have been supporting colleagues in establishing a new hydrogen course to deliver skills to support their regional plans for hydrogen.
“We are keen to expand collaboration with stakeholders and want to support local employers and organisations as we build the skills and knowledge of the workforce to help meet our decarbonisation objectives.
"We extend our sincere thanks to Point and Sandwick Trust for supporting this event and for their ongoing valuable support for UHI North, West and Hebrides."
The conference showcased expertise from the Western Isles, Shetland, South Africa and beyond, with discussions focusing on hydrogen, battery storage, eMethanol, fuel cells and other technologies. More than 100 people attended the conference which was held both in person and online.
A wide range of speakers throughout the day gave engaging and thought-provoking talks on a range of topics.
G-Nrgy from Shetland presented innovative work exploring how waste can be converted into hydrogen.
Calum MacDonald, Business Director at Point and Sandwick Trust outlined plans for battery storage linked to the Point and Sandwick Trust’s wind farm, which is Britain’s largest community wind farm.
The event also showcased projects from further afield, including initiatives in Zambia and Zurich. Together, the contributions demonstrated how communities facing different energy challenges can learn from one another and develop solutions suited to their own circumstances.
The conference reflects UHI North, West and Hebrides’ commitment to working with communities, employers and international partners to develop the skills, knowledge and innovation needed to support a low-carbon future.
To find out more about the Energy courses available at UHI North, West and Hebrides, please visit: Energy - UHI North, West and Hebrides.
