Petroleum Group of the Geological Society becomes the Energy Group
1 September 2020
The Geological Society of London’s Petroleum Group will today become the Energy Group, covering all aspects of energy geoscience.
Meeting the UK government’s net zero targets to limit climate change will require a complete overhaul of energy sources, moving away from oil and gas to low carbon, renewable alternatives. The committee of the Petroleum Group has therefore decided to expand their remit to encompass the full cycle of the delivery of energy to society. This includes, but is not limited to, petroleum, carbon capture, utilisation and storage, radioactive waste disposal, geothermal energy, and the role of geoscience in renewable energy sources.
The Chair of the Energy Group, Caroline Gill, said: “The Energy Group of the Geological Society of London is embracing the energy transition, recognising that the future will be an integrated mix of petroleum and non-petroleum solutions. In our new form we will represent the full spectrum of geoscientists involved with the energy transition, broadening our scientific remit whilst maintaining our high-quality, leading-edge scientific position and our balance between academic research and applied industrial studies. The future of energy is exciting for geoscientists and as a group we intend to be fully engaged with it.”
Committee member David McNamara said: “As the energy sector continues to evolve and change as part of the energy transition, its need for geoscience increases and changes too. Becoming the Energy Group allows us to be more inclusive and representative of the wider geological community working in the energy sector.”
Geologists and geoscientists are vital to ensuring that energy is sufficient to meet demand while reducing carbon emissions and minimising environmental harm. The Society’s President, Mike Daly, said: “One of the great challenges of our time is to move our mindset from exploring and exploiting our planet, to its stewardship and sustainability. To this end, the Geological Society is proud to launch the Energy Group to represent the broad spectrum of Earth sciences in energy generation, transmission and storage, and the management of its waste.”
Notes for editors
- You can find out more about the Energy Group on its webpages.
- The Geological Society of London, founded 1807, is a learned and professional body of over 12,000 Earth scientists with a remit to investigate, interpret, discuss, inform and advise on the nature and processes of the Earth, their practical importance to humanity, and, in the interests of the public, to promote professional excellence. The Society offers advice to Parliament and Government, at individual and corporate levels. Registered Charity No. 210161.