The Energy Institute (EI) celebrated Aberdeen’s best MSc students by hosting their annual competition on the 21 November, in partnership with sponsors Imrandd and the Net Zero Technology Centre.

The event was organised by the EI Aberdeen, Highlands and Islands branch to honour the best energy papers from MSc students at Robert Gordon University (RGU) and the University of Aberdeen (UoA). Six students were shortlisted by the two universities, selected from over 400 potential students.  

This annual event brings together industry and academia, showcasing the latest thinking and research from MSc students as well as enabling them to be recognised by future employers.

Agga Agga who is graduating with an MSc in Oil and Gas Engineering, received first prize of £250 for his thesis ‘Sensitivity Analysis of Operational Parameters on an Advanced Geothermal Energy Storage System in the Gassum Formation, Denmark’.

The runners up were from the University of Aberdeen and RGU, graduating respectively in MSc Energy Transition Systems and Technologies and MSc Oil and Gas Engineering.

Winner Agga said:
"I am delighted to have won the first-place award for EI's Best MSc Student Paper Competition 2023. I would like to thank my industry partners ZeGen Energy and Ross Energy DK for laying the building blocks for a successful project. 

I would also like to thank the EI, NZTC and Imrandd for hosting this event and providing a platform to present my dissertation.  I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to present on behalf of RGU and highly encourage further events like these providing a bridge between industry and academia".

Rebecca Allison, Chair of the local Energy Institute branch who hosted the evening at the Net Zero Technology Centre said: 
"This competition has been running now for well over 20 years and, year-on-year the quality of both the students and their presentation topics continues to grow making this an extremely tough competition for both participants and judges alike. 

These two world-renowned Universities, right here on our doorstep here in the Granite City, continue to bring to the marketplace some extremely talented students with innovative ideas as was demonstrated by the exceptional presentations. It is extremely encouraging to see such in-depth, thoughtful and impactful research coming from the next generation of energy sector practitioners and leaders’.

Lead Judge and sponsor, Innes Auchterlonie, CEO of Imrandd commented: 
“We are proud to recognise the outstanding research and innovation showcased by the six student finalists. The judges were highly impressed by the level of problem solving and critical thinking applied to the industry challenges presented. Their creative approach reflects the forward-looking mindset essential for driving innovation in the energy sector.

Imrandd remains committed to supporting initiatives that nurture the next generation of young people in energy. Competitions such as this gives us confidence that the future of the sector is in capable hands, while actively promoting a meaningful dialogue between academia and industry".

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Energy Institute (EI)