EMPLOYABILITY
Life changing energy
Four graduates explain how studying at Heriot-Watt University's Orkney campus changed their lives and enabled them to drive the future of energy.
Located off the north coast of Scotland, the group of 70 islands that make up Orkney might be on the fringes of Scotland geographically, but they are at the heart of an exciting energy future.
Heriot-Watt University has had a campus in Orkney since 1989. Recently it became part of the Orkney Research & Innovation Centre (ORIC), a multi-million-pound project which supports the growing research and innovation activity of organisations working in Orkney’s world-leading marine renewables, energy, and low carbon sector.
“Our Orkney campus offers a unique environment for studying energy-related programmes,” comments Professor Sandy Kerr, Director of the University’s International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT). “Our graduates are making a huge contribution to Orkney’s energy cluster and driving positive change in renewable energy businesses around the world.”
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From communications to renewable energy:
Anna Marriott is working on internationally significant projects advancing sustainability goals
Anna studied MSc Renewable Energy Development, graduating in 2021. Her current role is Senior Consultant with Aquatera.
“I transitioned from a career in journalism and communications to renewable energy, and Heriot-Watt played a crucial role in this. I’d been working for twenty years and had two goals when I undertook the programme; one was to have a really interesting and exciting experience for a year, and the second goal was to change career. I achieved both of those goals.
With this programme, rather than formal networking you simply gain the opportunity to meet people you might want to work with, and that’s a great way of getting into the industry here. I met Aquatera’s CEO, who was involved in the programme through guest lectures and networking events, and that led to a part-time job during my studies with Aquatera on the Reflex Project—a £28 million project aimed at decarbonising energy, heat, and transport systems at a local authority level funded by Innovate UK.
I later took on full-time roles with Aquatera and have now worked on multiple government-funded projects, including the Reflex Project, the Zephyr Project—a feasibility study exploring hydrogen-powered hovercraft transport for the Isle of Wight—and the Rural Energy Hubs Project, which is a £5 million initiative supporting decarbonisation in rural and island communities, overcoming non-technical barriers. These projects have international significance, particularly in advancing sustainability goals.
I absolutely loved being in Orkney, and undertaking a master’s with Heriot-Watt changed my life.”
Undertaking a master’s with Heriot-Watt in Orkney changed my life.”
Anna Marriott
Environmental consultant to driver of enterprise and growth:
Sweyn Johnston is leading economic and renewable energy initiatives
My story highlights how Heriot-Watt fosters talent.”
Sweyn Johnston
Sweyn studied MSc Renewable Energy Development, graduating in 2010. His current role is Head of Enterprise and Economic Growth for Orkney Islands Council.
“After graduating, I secured a role with an environmental consultancy based in Orkney. My unique combination of skills—renewable energy expertise, Japanese language proficiency, and local knowledge—allowed me to work with Japanese clients and establish my own consultancy. Over several years, I took on major projects, including work for the Inter-American Development Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank, conducting feasibility studies for renewable energy projects worldwide.
Then I transitioned to a role with Orkney Islands Council, working on Orkney’s Community Wind Farms project. I successfully developed three community wind farms in Orkney, which together created the critical mass to persuade Ofgem to approve a new £900 million interconnector for the islands.
My story highlights how Heriot-Watt fosters talent within the renewable energy sector and demonstrates the value of industry-integrated education and the opportunities it creates for individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
As an Orcadian, I feel incredibly proud that Orkney hosts an institute of the calibre of Heriot-Watt’s International Centre for Island Technology. It provided a crucial foundation for my career that now sees me driving renewable energy initiatives and economic development in Orkney.”
French exchange student to established energy professional:
Thomas Hugon is contributing to global advancements in tidal power
Thomas studied MSc Renewable Energy Development, graduating in 2014. His current role is Offshore Operations Engineer at Orbital Marine Power.
“My journey from a French exchange student to an established renewable energy professional in Orkney exemplifies the power of Heriot-Watt in shaping careers and supporting Scotland’s green economy. My experience underscores the importance of scholarship programmes in attracting and supporting talented individuals to gain the skills and knowledge needed to join a cutting-edge industry.
Orbital Marine Power’s technology is pioneering in the tidal energy sector, with applications worldwide, and my work developing and operating floating tidal turbines contributes to global advancements in this sector.
The strong connection between the Orkney campus and the renewable energy sector made it easier for students like me to transition into professional roles. The University’s close ties to local businesses provided me with direct industry exposure. I secured a dissertation project within a local company, which ultimately led to full-time employment. Beyond my professional role, I am now deeply embedded in the local Orkney community, serving as a Coastguard Rescue Officer, and volunteering with a marine life conservation organisation, among other activities.”
My journey exemplifies the power of Heriot-Watt in shaping careers.”
Thomas Hugon
From India to Orkney—an unexpected ideal choice:
Yashodhara Bose is working on innovative low carbon solutions
Yashodhara studied MSc Renewable Energy Development, graduating in 2022. Her current role is Energy Engineer.
“I initially planned to work in the oil and gas sector after completing a petroleum engineering degree in India, but the opportunity to study in Orkney—a location rich in natural renewable energy resources—was an unexpected but ideal choice. Despite the challenges of relocating to an unfamiliar place, the supportive community and academic environment helped me thrive.
After completing my master’s, I joined Pure Energy in Dundee for over two years before relocating to London. In my current role as an Energy Engineer, I work on solar photovoltaic projects, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, biomass assessments, and innovative low carbon heating solutions.
My experience at Heriot-Watt Orkney was instrumental in shaping my career. It provided me with a deep understanding of renewable energy technologies and the ability to work on interdisciplinary projects, develop practical solutions, and engage directly with industry professionals. My experience not only enhanced my knowledge but also shaped my perspective as an engineer—instilling in me an awareness of the importance of sustainability and the opportunities that renewable energy presents for combating global challenges.”
My experience at Heriot-Watt was instrumental to my career.”
Yashodhara Bose
