Glasgow, 25  March 2021 − The University of Strathclyde, Eni and Eni Corporate University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and deliver a programme to help professionals and workforces working in the oil and gas sector in Scotland to transfer their skills to the renewable energy technologies.

The initial two-year Memorandum of Understanding aims to support the Scottish Government’s plans for Energy Transition by developing an innovative programme that builds on Eni’s experience in offshore operations and industrial know-how and on the University of Strathclyde’s world-leading expertise in the field of renewable energy. The two partners also intend to expand the collaboration to research projects in offshore wind, in particular to support new technologies development such as floating wind.

In the context of energy transition, Eni with Eni Corporate University and the University of Strathclyde will work together to promote a new approach on the strategic delivery of future energy supply in Scotland by championing the creation of local employment and opportunities for local enterprises.

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde and co-chair of the Scottish Government Energy Advisory Board, said: “Innovative Companies like Eni are central to a successful transition to renewable energy and the achievement of net zero emissions. They can utilise their extensive energy sector expertise and financial resources to accelerate the transition from carbon-based fuels to renewables and make the latter more economically-viable. At Strathclyde we have a vast array of industry knowledge, cutting-edge research and development and world-leading expertise in renewable energy, helping to create the technologies of the future that will power our planet without damaging the ecosystem”.

Alessandro Della Zoppa, Director of Eni Energy Solutions, said: “We are delighted to partner with the prestigious University of Strathclyde to develop a ground-breaking programme that intends to inspire the industry and create a model to replicate in the UK and internationally. Ensuring a successful transition of workforces from fossil fuels activities to renewables and green technologies is key to our decarbonisation strategy and consistent with our DNA as a socially responsible company in the countries where we operate”.

About Eni

Eni is an energy company operating in 66 countries worldwide and employing around 32,000 people. Eni’s mission is inspired by the UN 2030 Agenda and these values are reflected in its business model, itself based on three pillars of long-term carbon neutrality, operational excellence and the creation of alliances for local development.

Decarbonisation is structurally embedded in Eni’s overall strategy with the new target of Net Zero emissions at 2050.

Through several projects Eni is actively supporting the UK 10 point plan.

Eni is active in the UK as operator of the Liverpool Bay Area project in North Wales, for which it was recently awarded a CO2 appraisal and storage licence by the Oil and Gas Authority.

Eni is working in Carbon Capture projects in collaboration with partners on the HyNet North West project and Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP)/Net Zero Teesside (NZT).

In December 2020 Eni entered the UK offshore wind sector through the acquisition of a 20% stake of the Dogger Bank (A and B) project from Equinor and SSE Renewables. At full capacity, Dogger Bank will be the world’s largest wind project of its kind.

Eni Corporate University is Eni's competence centre for managerial, behavioural, technical training and management of relationships with universities and schools.

About Strathclyde

Strathclyde is a long-standing leader in energy research, with more than 250 researchers working at any given time on energy systems innovations and more than 300 PhD graduates over the past decade with expertise in the field.

The University’s Power Networks Demonstration Centre, in Cumbernauld, also provides a unique facility and platform to accelerate the deployment and integration of energy networks and technologies through its advanced capabilities in system integration and collaborative industrial research.

The University has a roster of spinout companies making valuable contributions to the enhancement of energy provision and in 2019, Strathclyde was awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its excellence in energy innovation.

As Glasgow gears up to host COP26 in November, Strathclyde will showcase the range of its work in the renewable energy sector.