The UK energy research landscape is rapidly developing as we move from centralised monolithic energy generation to a suite of flexible, renewable, energy generation, distribution and storage systems. Such a transition requires new science, engineering, policy incentives, together with a diverse new workforce, to create a thriving green energy sector, which Cambridge is uniquely placed to contribute to with significant activities across all areas.
Cambridge is world leading across a broad range of fundamental energy research, including batteries, photovoltaics, energy policy, advanced materials, sustainable aviation and digital twin modelling, [Faraday Institution, Energy Policy Research Group, Whittle Lab, Royce Institute, CARES] with a thriving community of postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers [Cambridge Zero Postgraduate Academy, Postdoc Academy] with research interests in renewable energy, sustainability and the environment. Our cohesive and integrated approach to supporting multidisciplinary energy research is a major Cambridge strength, resulting in novel and unexpected research breakthroughs through collaborations between groups which would not have interacted otherwise.
Over the past decade we have built close collaborations with industry partners, from global corporates to fledgling start-ups in the energy space, where ideas and knowledge have been cross-fertilised. This synergy allows blue skies research nurtured within the University to make a positive impact on the public and wider society, and for industry partners to develop our research discoveries into new commercial products and services. Our industry partners also help us to identify important new research questions and capabilities that need to be scaled up to become the basis for the new green industries of the future.
Materials
Energy costs have greatly reduced due to the energy efficiency and cost reduction of better materials and manufacturing at scale.
Materials for Energy Efficiency
Impact Highlight: Nyobolt breakthrough EV ‘Holy Grail’ unlocked with launch of six-minute charge car |
Systems
A net zero energy system needs to enable the supply of energy to end-users.
Impact Highlight: Clean, sustainable fuels made ‘from thin air’ and plastic waste
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Sustainability
Sustainability aspects underpin the environmental impacts of the energy transition.
Impact Highlight: New Research Hub to aid decarbonisation of UK's interconnected transport infrastructures |
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