Environmental energy
Much of the damage that has been caused to the Earth’s climate can be attributed to humankind’s uncontrolled use of high carbon, unsustainable fossil fuels
The environmental energy theme encompasses energy research working towards attaining decarbonised, sustainable systems and Net Zero energy options. The theme is highly cross-disciplinary, with a whole systems approach towards identifying green opportunities but also highlighting the potential adverse challenges/ consequences of energy choices.
Our key areas
Sustainable energy for transport
Evaluates choices of low carbon fuel options across the transport sector. Focus areas are sustainable fuels for aviation and shipping and electrification of transport. domestic biomass combustion and air quality, energy poverty and policy.
Future energy vectors
Options for cleaner energy such as hydrogen and synthetic fuels for industry. Avoidance of risks when developing the hydrogen economy. Carbon capture opportunities and challenges- BECCS.
Hydrogen is prioritised under the Energy Vectors sub-theme as it is seen as a versatile low carbon fuel but could potentially have high carbon footprint/climate forcing potential. The research has a focus on establishing genuinely low carbon production, transport and utilisation.
Community and domestic energy
High energy prices have hardest impact on the most vulnerable in the community. This sub theme evaluates electricity and energy for homeowners including domestic biomass combustion and air quality, energy poverty and policy.
Current work is focusing on how energy prices have influenced choices to use alternatives such as wood burning stoves, and how air quality could be impacted as a result.