ScottishPower and the University of Strathclyde have joined forces to provide an Advanced Research Centre (SPARC) at the University, which aims to put ScottishPower at the forefront of new developments and technologies in its energy networks business.
The partnership, which will receive £150,000 annual funding from ScottishPower, will involve researchers from the University's Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering - the largest academic centre of electrical power and energy expertise in Europe.
The aim is to develop new technologies that can be put to practical use on ScottishPower's electricity networks, and seeks to deliver business benefits from environmental efficiency to system performance. The research will focus on three main areas - power network development, asset engineering and asset strategy.
Dave Roberts, ScottishPower Technology Manager, said: "We hope that our partnership with the University of Strathclyde will produce innovative technologies and designs that will help to make a real difference on our electricity networks and benefit our customers. The knowledge and expertise within our business, coupled with the research capabilities from the Strathclyde team, will see ScottishPower leading the way with engineering development in this area."
Professor Jim McDonald, Deputy Principal of the University, said: "This significant investment will help to further our world-class research into the key power and energy technologies needed by industry and society.
"SPARC reflects Scotland's reputation as a world-leader in engineering, and we are delighted to build on our longstanding partnership with ScottishPower through the Centre."
The research team will be based within the University's Institute for Energy and Environment, an internationally renowned centre for research, innovation and training within the Faculty of Engineering.
Further information:
Paul Ferguson
Media Relations Manager
ScottishPower
0141 565 4515
07702 665 924
paul.ferguson@scottishpower.com
Kat Ferguson
Press Officer
University of Strathclyde
0141 548 4123
Kat.ferguson@strath.ac.uk