Minister backs Strathclyde University to produce next generation of energy engineers

Apr 23 2009 By Peter Carroll

FURTHER Education Minister John Denham MP visited the city last week to tour Strathclyde University's energy research department.

Mr Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, was impressed with the university's world-class Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering's Institute for Energy and Environment.

The cabinet secretary was given a tour of the college by principal, Professor Jim McDonald, where they discussed the energy challenges faced by the UK now and in the future.

An impressed Mr Denham told The Glaswegian: "I very much enjoyed my visit to Strathclyde University and its state-of-the-art simulation centre.

"This centre will offer a unique facility to train the next generation of scientists and engineers.

"Science and engineering can help tackle the threats of climate change and the first class work being carried out at Strathclyde University bodes well for our future."

The institute is one of the largest centres of electrical power and energy expertise in Europe and its research and training is exported all over the world.

Mr Denham's visit included a tour of the GSE/Strathclyde Simulation Centre, home to the latest power systems technology. The simulator offers real-time training and education for the power industries.

Professor McDonald said: "We were delighted to welcome the Secretary of State to Strathclyde. His visit underlines Scotland's reputation as a world leader in engineering research and training.

"Engineers play a vital role in the fight to tackle climate change, as well as providing answers to the energy challenges we face in the UK and further afield."

The visit comes just months after Strathclyde was awarded £5 million by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to create a centre for excellence in wind energy.

The Wind Energy Systems Centre will use pioneering research and advanced skills training to help the UK meet its ambitious renewable energy targets and address skills shortage in the sector.

For more information about engineering at Strathclyde, visit: www.strath.ac.uk/engineering