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If you are interested in this workshop please apply by 12:00 (UK time) on 13 January 2015 to newtonsgf@nerc.ac.uk.
NERC is inviting applications from UK scientists and industry representatives to attend a joint workshop with FAPESP Sao Paulo Research Foundation in Brazil on 25 – 27 February 2015 to scope the science themes for the Newton Fund programme on ‘Sustainable Gas Futures’.
Brazil currently gets 46% of its energy from renewables (mainly relying in large hydropower and biofuels). Brazil forecasts a 60% growth in the domestic energy demand in the next decade and has committed to maintain its percentage of low carbon energy in the matrix. However, to meet this target, the country will need to increase investment in new renewable energy and other low carbon technologies, with particular attention to building capacity and research and development. Brazil has relatively untapped major gas resources, limited gas infrastructure, and very different demand and natural resource characteristics.
The UK has a mature and extensive gas infrastructure, with the potential for shale gas to come on stream, and challenging emissions reduction targets. The whole systems approach to examining the use of gas in the energy system is a UK and NERC strength and this initiative would strengthen partnerships between UK and Brazilian researchers in this field, benefiting both countries, in an area that is central to NERC’s new strategy. It is vital, and recognized by Brazil, that the rapid development of gas resources must be carried out sustainably.
Whilst there will be a major technology element to this initiative, it cannot be taken forward without environmental science in taking a whole energy systems approach. Collaborations under the call will contribute to economic development and social welfare in Brazil, in line with the Newton Fund’s aims.
As an initial step to build partnerships, facilitate collaboration and scope the programme the aims of this joint workshop with FAPESP Sao Paulo Research Foundation in Brazil, on 25 – 27 February 2015, are:
- To discuss the key science challenges that relate to the aims of this programme and how they could be best addressed.
- To facilitate networking, discussion and enable researchers to share ideas on key research questions relevant to the call.
- To explore opportunities for potential future collaboration in the area of whole systems approach to examining the use of gas in the energy system.
- The outcome of the workshop will be to define the scope of a new UK/Brazil, interdisciplinary call, supported by the Newton Fund, with a focus on research contributing to the economic development and welfare of Brazil as part of the Sustainable Gas Futures programme.
More information
Please see the NERC website to download the Announcement of Opportunity for participants to attend the scoping workshop.
To apply
You will need to submit the Expression of Interest form by 12:00 (UK time) on 13 January 2015 to newtonsgf@nerc.ac.uk so that decisions can be made and outcomes known by the 16 January 2015.
For further information contact Michelle Truman on newtonsgf@nerc.ac.uk or Tel: + 44 (0)1793 411700.