Tuesday 15 February 2011

Iberdrola chief warns of energy skills gap

The chairman and chief executive of ScottishPower's parent company Iberdrola has warned that there are not enough graduates to fill the energy skills gap.

Ignacio Galán said this week that it was vital that universities and colleges encourage students to take-up engineering courses and to "embrace the new skill sets that will be required to succeed in sustainable engineering".

He added: "Across the globe massive investment is required to decarbonise and modernise energy infrastructure. Arguably the biggest investment required will be in the people who are needed to deliver this work. I have a concern that there are not enough students graduating from universities with the right qualifications to fill this emerging skills gap."

Mr Galán was speaking after being appointed as a visiting professor to Strathclyde University's Faculty of Engineering.

He will take on an advisory role, helping to shape the university's policy on the future of sustainable engineering by providing a direct insight into the needs and skills requirements of industry.

Mr Galán said: "I am extremely honoured to take up the post and I hope that I will be able to make a positive contribution to the university's continued success.

"The University of Strathclyde has a world class reputation for engineering and is also recognised as a progressive institution for its innovative links with industry and its ability to stay ahead of the times."

The university's Institute for Energy and Environment is the largest energy and power research grouping in Europe, with 200 staff and researchers providing an extensive range of research, training and innovation support to industry and the public sector.

University principal Jim McDonald said he was delighted Mr Galán was joining Strathclyde "to inspire tomorrow's engineers and business leaders".