The Early Career Researcher Winter School held at the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training took place last week and with thanks to the UKCCSRC I was able to attend. It was a busy week with 7 keynote speakers covering topics including geological storage, the current status of CCS both internationally and in the UK, the economics and financing of projects and the energy industry as a whole.
The group work involved looking over recent UK energy sector consultation papers (a first for many in the room, myself included!). This group task gave all the attendees an insight into how their current work could fit into a larger picture and the importance evidence based policy making.
A highlight of the week was a trip to GE's research facilities in Rugby where we were given a tour of the model turbines currently being tested. The trip gave me a new insight into the importance of the power generator's efficiency and therefore the need for ever developing engineering research. As a geologist, I must admit the thought of learning the basics of turbine engineering was daunting but I would like the thank GE for a great overview and interesting tour!
Many thanks to everyone involved, your hard work was very much appreciated!