Energy Challenges and Solutions——a Global Perspective

Based in Aberdeen, the “Energy Capital of Europe, from our recent research collaborations with some major energy industries, and the experience chairing the 1st-9th International Symposium on Energy, this talk explores energy challenges and solutions from a global perspective. The following topics are covered:

·Life on earth currently faces a threat on a genuinely global scale: climate change. The multidimensional impact of the low-carbon European strategy on energy security will be discussed.

·The DESERTEC idea will be reviewed; the plan was initially developed in Germany, making use of solar energy in the deserts of North Africa to transport a significant fraction of power to Europe. The concept relies on three main pillars: 1) deserts are sources for intense solar radiation; 2) the oceans with their coastal areas are a vital source of dependable wind power; 3) a large-scale HVDC grid distributes the energy among the centres of generation and consumption.

·The majority of the North Sea and global, offshore infrastructure has reached the end of its original design life. They are facing a common challenge on how to maintain production capability while preserving integrity. Our work on the life extension of energy assets will also be discussed.

·Fusion energy is among the most environmentally friendly sources of energy; the future is brighter with ITER collaboration in building the Tokamak and the recent achievement of the EAST reactor in China.