December News

Taking a close look at fractured basement

Congratulations to GRL Chairman Bob Holdsworth, nominated for the 2018 NERC Economic Impact Awards for his scientific work related to faults and fracture networks in the fractured basement of the West of Shetland basin and its onshore analogues in the Scottish Highlands and Islands. The work of Bob and the team has helped to inform exploration activities of the Clair Consortium and underpins the recent discoveries by Hurricane Exploration in the fractured basement of the Rona Ridge.

The NERC Impact Awards recognise research that has delivered significant benefits to the UK economy or society in the UK or internationally. NERC has described the importance of Bob’s research in a short video available here. NERC Director of Research & Innovation Dr Phil Heads says:

“Excellent independent science on the potential and risks of all the UK’s energy options – including renewables and fossil fuels – is vital to support UK decision-making around our energy resources. This innovative geological research by Professor Bob Holdsworth and his team has provided new understanding of the UK’s energy options and delivered significant economic benefits to Scotland.”

Bob Holdsworth – NERC Economic Impact Awards

Top: Taking a close look at fractured basement. Above: Bob Holdsworth – NERC Economic Impact Awards nominee