Lectures

Wednesday 15 October, 7pm
Prof John Underhill, University of Aberdeen
Geoscience’s Critical Role in the Energy Transition

Over the past Century, the global population has increased fourfold from just 2 Billion in 1928 to over 8.1 Billion today. It is projected to rise yet further to exceed 11 Billion by 2100. Growth of his magnitude places enormous pressure on Earth Systems and its resources as people seek to improve their quality of life, but with negative consequences on biodiversity, the environment and climate. Over the same period, the levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide have risen from 300ppm to over 420ppm and carbon dioxide emissions have gone from 4 to 35 Gigatons per year, with all the consequences for global warming and sea level rise that has. In this context, it is an inconvenient reality that fossil fuels currently account for over 80% of primary energy consumption and even countries that have weaned themselves off coal, still rely heavily on oil and gas to power industry, keep the lights on, heat homes and to meet their transportation needs (e.g. 75% dependency in the UK). Given the stark figures, the starting point on our road to decarbonise society and meet net zero emissions targets is an extremely challenged one, and a misstep along the way could impose blackouts, power outages, impose fuel poverty and job losses.

In light of recent global events, there has been an increasing appreciation and focus on trying balance the energy trilemma that ensures security of supply, affordability, and environmental sustainability & climate compatibility to ensure that there is a smooth, orderly, managed transition rather than a cliff edge, with a highly variable degree of success. While some are intent on shutting down industrial clusters, doing so will come at a cost to jobs, communities, national economics (GDP), energy security and, given the demand for the products is unlikely to diminish, the (higher) carbon footprint will simply be exported. We are in danger of not learning the lessons of past mistakes which afflicted coal mining, ship-building, and the steel-making sectors to name but a few, meaning a “fair and just transition” will not be achieved. There is also an urgent imperative to gain a social license to operate from affected communities as places get rewired for the transition (e.g. offshore wind connections to the grid replace those from the old industrial heartlands).

Geoscience has a huge role to play as we wrestle with the massive challenge to transition our energy systems and seek viable solutions to enable the pivot from fossil fuels to renewable sources. There is a need to have forensic data-led, evidence-based research undertaken to characterise the subsurface, seabed, and metocean conditions exist that enable industry to decarbonise and emissions targets to be met. Integration of core descriptions with wireline log analysis, seismic data and field analogues will help determine where the best sites are for carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and nuclear waste storage, (low- and high-enthalpy) geothermal energy sources, wind farms and placer deposits containing critical minerals. Despite the evident need for the expertise to communicate with communities and technically inform policy and decision-making, the career pathway is proving to be less attractive and there are serious recruitment challenges to be addressed. It is imperative that we articulate the message that our subject and its practitioners are crucial if we are going to meet the challenges embodied in the energy trilemma. As society seeks the solutions to save the planet yet continue to meet the energy needs of an increasing world population and geoscientists will be at the forefront of that.

Biography 

John is the Interdisciplinary Director for Energy Transition and Professor in Geoscience and Energy Transition in the School of Geosciences at the University of Aberdeen, a post he took up in March 2022. He is the academic director of the UK’s GeoNetZero Centre of Doctoral Training (CDT), a £22M partnership consisting of 12 Universities and 8 company sponsors that has seen 128 PhDs graduate, all of whom have secured employment in a relevant discipline. His research interests focus upon the role of geoscience in the energy transition and use of technologies, methods and data in providing the best solutions and outcomes to deliver low-carbon net zero goals. John is the Chair of the National Energy Skills Accelerator (NESA), a collaboration between Aberdeen University, RGU, North-East Scotland College, Skills Development Scotland, and Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) Ltd., which secured a £1M award from the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund to up-skill and re-skill workers for a career in renewable energy. Before taking up an academic career, John worked in industry and has also undertaken two industrial fellowships when at The University of Edinburgh. Prior to joining Aberdeen John co- lead Heriot-Watt University’s efforts to establish the Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Science and Technology and was their Chief Scientist. John is a member of the UK Energy Minister’s Subsurface Task Force and also populated the Scottish Science Advisory Council (SSAC), the leading independent advisory board for Scottish Government between 2018-22. John was President of the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE) in 2011-12, an EAGE Board Member for 3 years and was awarded their Alfred Wegener Prize in 2016. He also has received the Lyell Medal from the Geological Society, the Silver Medal from their Energy Group, and the Clough Medal from the Edinburgh Geological Society for 2012-13. An unusual fact is that John was an international soccer referee, who officiated in international (FIFA and UEFA) football and the Scottish Premier League between 1994-2008.

This lecture will be preceded by an informal ‘pizza and pop’ session, from 6pm in the Grant Museum. All welcome: please book.