First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has hailed a new facility in Aberdeen as a key element in the quest to “unlock” the North Sea’s remaining reserves.
Ms Sturgeon is in Aberdeen today to unveil the Innovation Hub at the Oil and Gas Technology Centre (OGTC).
Ms Sturgeon said the hub would play an important role in speeding up the development of oil and gas technology which can solve problems faced by North Sea producers
OGTC said the facility would provide a space for companies from different industrial sectors to meet and share radical new ideas.
The hub is kitted out with large screens for presentations and displays, touchscreen computers and tablets, plush furniture and work spaces.
Luca Corradi, innovation network director at OGTC, said the hub would accelerate the process of turning concepts into field-ready products.
It will have virtual reality capabilities which will help “take the oil platform to the people”, giving outside industries an insight into the challenges faced offshore.
OGTC will bring innovators and academics into the hub by organising a programme of events and activities.
Workshops will be set up to deal specifically with the challenges faced by OGTC’s network of members.
Invitations will be needed to attend some of the events, while others will be open to all companies who want to learn more about pioneering technology.
OGTC will also use the base to “inspire the next generation” by hosting visits by schoolchildren and students.
It will provide them with insight into the sorts of skills that will be required to work in the oil and gas industry of the future.
Ms Sturgeon said: “The OGTC has made fantastic progress since opening its doors in February 2017. The centre’s new Innovation Hub aims to be the engine for innovation in the UK oil and gas industry.
“The state-of-the-art facility will accelerate the deployment of new technologies to help unlock the full potential of the North Sea.
“The hub’s potential is being embraced by an ever-increasing number of companies.
“They recognise its important role in addressing problems and how it can explore oil and gas relevant applications of technology adopted in other industries.”
Mr Corradi said: “The hub will be a catalyst for new thinking and new ideas, working in partnership with innovators and oil and gas companies to develop technology solutions for industry challenges.
“It uses the latest facilitation tools and techniques to harness creativity and turn ideas into actions.
“We look forward to working with schools and universities to create a programme to inspire a new generation of innovators.”
OGTC officially opened in February with £180million worth of backing from the Aberdeen City Region Deal.
The centre, which now has more than 40 members, has already approved more than £12million worth of investment in pioneering new technologies and is currently working on 21 projects.
Aberdeenshire Councillor Jim Gifford, chair of the City Region Deal joint committee, said: “Every milestone reached in the journey of our City Region Deal is to be celebrated.
“That is because each one represents a step towards a new and exciting future.
“We are seeing projects becoming a reality, like the opening of the Innovation Hub, and people are starting to see tangible benefits coming from City Region Deal.”
Recommended for you
