Scotland-based Heriot-Watt University has joined forces with the National Central University (NCU) in Taiwan to advance research and innovation in geoenergy to address some of the key global energy concerns.
The beginning of the partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signing which focuses on key areas such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and geothermal energy. Both universities promise to leverage both of their strengths to accelerate progress in these fields.
Beyond research, the MoU includes a commitment to share equipment and facilities, co-supervise PhD students, joint industry projects, the enhancement of innovation activities and the enriching the learning experience for student and early career researchers.
Dr Uisdean Nicholson, Associate Professor of Geoscience at Heriot-Watt, who initiated the collaboration, said, “By combining Heriot-Watt’s research excellence with those of National Central University, we aim to unlock new opportunities and work to find innovative solutions to renewable energy from geothermal sources and to decarbonise industry through CCS. Together, we will deliver meaningful impact through cutting-edge research and knowledge-sharing that benefits both students and society.”
Shu-Kun Hsu, Dean of the College of Earth Sciences at NCU, commented, “NCU is strong on education and research in the field of Earth Sciences and recently have put much efforts on the energy transition, renewable energy (especially offshore wind, geothermal, ocean energy), carbon capture and storage and geological disposal of high-level nuclear waste. These fields of study match very well with Heriot-Watt’s geoenergy initiatives.”
Effectively immediately, the MoU commits both institutions to collaborate over the next few years. Joint initiatives will include workshops, student placements, co-developed teaching programmes, joint funding applications and shared access to world-class facilities.