Martin Gilbert named chair of OGTC

The Oil & Gas Technology Centre (OGTC) has appointed Martin Gilbert as chair of the Aberdeen-based research and technology organisation.

He will succeed Archie Kennedy who has been vice chair and chair of the OGTC since 2017.

The OGTC was established in 2016 with £180 million of funding as part of the Aberdeen City Region Deal.

It supports a host of companies focused on reducing carbon emissions.

This includes changing how they generate energy, preparing facilities to operate remotely and also cutting the cost of hydrogen generation.

It has invested in nearly 250 projects that could generate up to £15 billion in value to the UK economy.

More recently, the OGTC also created a Net Zero Solution Centre.

It aims to accelerate technology to support the UK’s transition to a net zero economy.

CEO Colette Cohen OBE, said:

“Martin’s extensive experience and strategic leadership will be invaluable as we accelerate technology to support the post-Covid-19 recovery and deliver a net zero North Sea.

Martin Gilbert, chair, said:

“Despite the significant economic challenges facing country as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, governments and industry remain committed to delivering net zero.

“The OGTC therefore has a crucial role in developing technologies to enable the oil and gas sector to be a valued part of the transition.”

Gilbert was a founding director of Aberdeen Asset Management and was instrumental in its £11-billion merger with Standard Life.