Lead energy role for university professor

Professor Valerie Linton
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Tuesday, 12 January 2010

A University of Adelaide professor has been named the inaugural CEO of the Energy Pipelines Co-operative Research Centre, which will investigate the transmission of natural gas and other energy-related products in Australia.

Professor Valerie Linton is currently Professor of Welded Structures at the University of Adelaide and has built an international profile in high pressure energy transmission over her 20-year career in industry and academia.

The Energy Pipelines CRC will focus on research fundamental to ensuring the nation's energy future.

Professor Linton's experience provides a strong foundation for energy pipelines research and her management skills will guide the CRC's progress as it works on research programs in the areas of materials, coatings, design and policy.

The integration of research across these areas, combined with an education program and a close partnership with industry will see the rapid uptake of new technology and thinking into the pipeline industry, according to the Australian Pipeline Industry Association.

Professor Linton said she was looking forward to the challenge of her new role, which will be based in Wollongong.

"Research into the best possible energy transportation for Australia is vital, given this nation's distances and the expected increase in demand for natural gas as an alternative to coal for power generation," Professor Linton said.

"In order to safely, effectively, and efficiently transport natural gas, Australia will need to expand the use of current transmission pipelines as well as build new infrastructure over very long distances.

"Our research will also have application well beyond energy transmission. For example, our long-distance pipeline research will also be critical to the success of carbon capture, transportation and storage projects," Professor Linton said.

Professor Linton has been with the University's School of Mechanical Engineering since 2001 and her previous experience includes working for British Gas in the United Kingdom and MPT, a large technical consultancy in New Zealand.

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