Critical Review of Electrical Power Engineering Research in Scottish Universities

Introduction

Scotland has long been a leader in engineering and technology, with its universities playing crucial roles in advancing these fields. Today, the focus of electrical power engineering research in Scottish universities has shifted toward renewable energy, smart grids, and sustainable energy systems. This review critically evaluates the current state of play in electrical power engineering research across key Scottish institutions, identifying strengths, gaps, and areas for potential improvement. Additionally, it examines the recent trend of some higher and further education (HE and FE) institutions divesting from engineering programs, including those that were once at the forefront of engineering and technology. The review also assesses whether these strategic moves were wise and offers recommendations on how the Scottish Government could use its devolved powers to ensure public funds are optimally invested in Scotland’s sustainable future.

University of Strathclyde: Leading in Innovation but Needing Broader Collaboration

The University of Strathclyde, particularly through its Institute for Energy and Environment (IEE), has established itself as a European leader in power engineering research. The Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC) is a unique facility that drives forward the development and testing of smart grid technologies. Strathclyde's strong industry connections, particularly in smart grids and power electronics, ensure that its research is both relevant and applicable.

Critique: While the University of Strathclyde excels in its focused areas, its research scope could benefit from broader interdisciplinary collaboration. Currently, the integration of socio-economic factors into technical research appears limited, potentially narrowing the impact of its findings on broader energy policy and societal adoption.

Recommendation: Expanding collaborations beyond traditional engineering disciplines to include economics, environmental science, and public policy could provide more holistic solutions to the challenges of the energy transition.

University of Edinburgh: Offshore Prowess with Emerging Strengths

The University of Edinburgh's research in offshore renewable energy is exemplary, particularly in wave and tidal energy. The institution’s investment in the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre (EPCC) underscores its commitment to high-performance computing for energy system simulations, a critical component in modeling and optimizing complex power networks.

Critique: Despite its strengths, Edinburgh's research portfolio seems somewhat skewed towards offshore technologies, potentially at the expense of broader grid integration and energy storage solutions that are essential for renewable energy scalability.

Recommendation: The University of Edinburgh should diversify its research efforts to include more comprehensive studies on grid integration and energy storage technologies. Additionally, engaging more with policymakers and energy regulators could enhance the practical application of its research in the energy sector.

University of Glasgow: Sustainability Leadership with Room for Technological Depth

The University of Glasgow’s focus on sustainable energy systems and the decarbonization of power networks positions it well within the broader energy transition discourse. Its Energy and Sustainability Research Group is notable for integrating environmental and social considerations into energy research.

Critique: While Glasgow’s emphasis on sustainability is commendable, its research could benefit from greater technological depth in areas like power electronics and smart grids, which are critical for advancing renewable energy integration.

Recommendation: To enhance its contribution to the field, Glasgow should invest in expanding its technical research capabilities in power systems and smart grid technologies. Collaborations with technology-driven institutions could help bridge this gap.

Heriot-Watt University: Strong in Offshore Energy but Lacking Grid Focus

Heriot-Watt University’s Energy Academy is a major player in offshore energy research, particularly in energy storage and renewable integration. The university's global perspective, including its work in developing countries, is a notable strength.

Critique: However, Heriot-Watt’s research appears to be heavily concentrated on offshore energy, with less emphasis on the broader electrical grid challenges that are critical for renewable energy integration.

Recommendation: To remain competitive and relevant, Heriot-Watt should expand its research agenda to include smart grids and the technical challenges associated with integrating diverse renewable energy sources into existing power networks. This could be achieved through strategic partnerships with grid-focused research centers.

University of Aberdeen: Transitioning from Oil and Gas to Renewable Energy

The University of Aberdeen’s shift from a historical focus on oil and gas to renewable energy, particularly offshore wind and hydrogen energy systems, reflects Scotland’s broader energy transition. The Centre for Energy Transition is making significant strides in these areas.

Critique: While Aberdeen is making commendable efforts to pivot towards renewables, its research portfolio still appears somewhat transitional, with ongoing reliance on its oil and gas expertise.

Recommendation: Aberdeen should accelerate its diversification into renewable energy research, particularly in emerging areas such as hydrogen technology and carbon capture and storage (CCS). Greater focus on these areas, coupled with strong industry ties, could position Aberdeen as a leader in the energy transition.

University of Dundee: Policy Integration with Technological Research Needed

The University of Dundee’s Centre for Energy, Petroleum, and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP) brings a unique perspective by integrating legal and policy aspects into energy research. This interdisciplinary approach is crucial for the successful deployment of new energy technologies.

Critique: However, Dundee's focus on policy and legal frameworks might overshadow the need for more direct engagement with technological research in power engineering.

Recommendation: Dundee should seek to balance its strong policy research with increased participation in technological research and development. Collaborative projects that involve both legal/policy experts and engineers could yield more comprehensive and applicable results.

University of Abertay: A Shift Away from Engineering

The University of Abertay, once known for its engineering and technology programs, has undergone significant changes in recent years. The institution has shifted its focus toward fields such as computer games, cybersecurity, and digital media, at the expense of traditional engineering disciplines.

Critique: Abertay’s decision to divest from engineering could be seen as a strategic response to changing market demands and student interests. However, this shift risks diminishing Scotland’s capacity to produce engineering talent, particularly in fields essential for the energy transition.

Recommendation: While Abertay University's current emphasis on cybersecurity digital media and computer games might align with contemporary trends, it may not fully address Scotland's long-term sustainability objectives. To enhance its strategic impact, Abertay should consider expanding its focus to include serious games, leveraging its existing strengths in computer games and cybersecurity. This new direction could facilitate the development of innovative simulation and role-playing tools that are valuable for engineering education and policy-making. By partnering with institutions renowned for their engineering programs, Abertay could integrate these into serious games for complementary courses and research initiatives. This approach would build on Abertay’s established expertise in both cybersecurity and computer games, thereby advancing Scotland's sustainability goals and contributing to a more comprehensive educational and strategic framework.

The Further Education (FE) Sector: A Vital Yet Vulnerable Component

Scotland's FE sector, comprising colleges that offer vocational training and qualifications, has traditionally played a crucial role in producing skilled technicians and engineers. However, recent years have seen a decline in the number of colleges offering engineering courses, partly due to funding pressures and shifting priorities toward other vocational areas.

Critique: The reduction in engineering offerings within the FE sector could lead to a shortage of skilled technicians and mid-level engineers, who are critical for the maintenance and operation of renewable energy infrastructure and other engineering-intensive industries.

Assessment: This trend is concerning, as it could exacerbate the skills gap in Scotland's engineering workforce. The FE sector's role in providing practical, hands-on training is irreplaceable, particularly in the context of Scotland's ambitions for a green energy future.

Recommendation: The Scottish Government should prioritize funding and support for engineering programs within the FE sector. This could include establishing specialized engineering hubs within colleges, offering apprenticeships in partnership with industry, and ensuring that the sector has the resources needed to maintain and expand its engineering offerings.

The Trend of Divestment from Engineering in Scottish HE and FE Institutions

In recent years, some Scottish HE and FE institutions have begun to withdraw or divest from engineering programs, even though they were once at the forefront of engineering and technology education. This trend raises significant concerns regarding the strategic direction of these institutions and the broader implications for Scotland's engineering and technology sectors.

Institutions in Focus

• Edinburgh Napier University and Glasgow Caledonian University are examples of institutions that have scaled back their engineering programs in recent years. These universities, which once had robust engineering departments, have shifted focus toward other disciplines such as business, health, and social sciences.
• The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) has also seen reductions in its engineering offerings, particularly in areas that require significant investment in infrastructure and specialized faculty.
• The University of Abertay has redirected its focus towards digital media and cybersecurity, largely stepping away from traditional engineering disciplines.

Strategic Implications

Critique: The withdrawal from engineering programs by these institutions could have long-term negative impacts on Scotland's ability to innovate and maintain leadership in engineering and technology. While the shift may have been driven by immediate financial concerns or perceived changes in student demand, the reduction in engineering expertise risks diminishing Scotland’s ability to contribute to and benefit from the global energy transition.

Assessment: The move away from engineering might offer short-term financial relief but could be strategically short-sighted. Engineering is critical not only for maintaining industrial competitiveness but also for achieving Scotland's ambitious sustainability goals. The reduction in engineering capacity at these institutions could lead to a skills gap, reducing the pool of talent available for the renewable energy sector and other high-tech industries.

Strategic Recommendations: Leveraging Devolved Powers for Optimal Investment

The Scottish Government, using its devolved powers, has a crucial role to play in ensuring that public funds are optimally invested in the country’s sustainable future. To counter the trend of divestment from engineering and to promote robust, forward-looking engineering education and research, the government could consider the following strategies:

1. Targeted Funding for Engineering Programs: Introduce targeted funding initiatives to support engineering departments, particularly in areas aligned with Scotland’s sustainability and energy goals. This could include grants for universities to maintain or expand engineering programs, especially in renewable energy, power systems, and smart grids.
2. Incentivizing Interdisciplinary Research: The Scottish Government could provide incentives for interdisciplinary research that combines engineering with other critical fields such as environmental science, public policy, and economics. This would encourage institutions to maintain and expand their engineering expertise while addressing broader societal challenges.
3. Strengthening Industry Partnerships: Facilitate stronger partnerships between academia and industry by providing funding for joint research projects and encouraging internships and apprenticeships in engineering fields. These partnerships can ensure that engineering programs remain relevant and aligned with industry needs.
4. Regional Innovation Hubs: Establish regional innovation hubs that focus on engineering and technology, particularly in areas affected by the withdrawal of engineering programs. These hubs could serve as centers of excellence, providing training, research, and development opportunities that align with Scotland’s economic and environmental objectives.
5. Long-Term Workforce Planning: The Scottish Government should engage in long-term workforce planning to identify and address potential skills gaps in engineering. This could involve working with universities, colleges, and industry to ensure that educational offerings are aligned with future labor market needs, particularly in the context of the energy transition.

Conclusion

Scottish universities continue to play a leading role in electrical power engineering research, particularly in renewable energy. However, the trend of divestment from engineering programs in some HE and FE institutions poses a strategic risk to Scotland's future competitiveness and sustainability. The Scottish Government has a critical role in reversing this trend by using its devolved powers to support and enhance engineering education and research. Through targeted funding, interdisciplinary research initiatives, and stronger industry partnerships, Scotland can ensure that its public funds are optimally invested in building a sustainable future that leverages its rich engineering heritage.