UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC)

We are delighted to announce that we have received funding from EPSRC and ESRC: Economic and Social Research Council to continue our work from 2024-2029! UKERC’s research programme for 2024 to 2029 will address four critical, interlinked challenges: 1. The infrastructure delivery challenge: renewable energy, transmission networks and electric heat and transport requires unprecedented investment, innovation and societal acceptance. 2. The flexibility challenge: moving away from fossil fuels in cars, homes and industries means we need to find new ways to operate the energy system flexibly and reliably, whilst also integrating large amounts of wind and solar power. 3. The geopolitical challenge: addressing global energy security concerns and ensuring resilient supply chains. 4. The affordability and justice challenge: ensuring that the energy transition is fair, equitable, and accessible to all segments of society. Find out more below. UK Research and Innovation, Robert Gross, Dhara Vyas, Charlotte Deane, Doug Parr.

Make sure to watch our latest webinar! 📺 Energy geopolitics, once a tool of Western power, is resurfacing in a new era of climate change and US-China rivalry. This recent webinar explored how to reimagine this concept for today's world. Featuring Caroline Kuzemko, Gavin Bridge, Louis Fletcher and Marie Claire Brisbois.

In this week’s Newsletter: Recording of UKERC Webinar: Rethinking Energy Geopolitics Energy geopolitics, once a tool of Western power, is resurfacing in a new era of climate change and US-China rivalry. This recent webinar chaired by Caroline Kuzemko, and featuring Gavin Bridge, Louis Fletcher and Marie Claire Brisbois Brisbois explored how to reimagine this concept for today's world. Event report: Understanding Scotland’s Energy Transition Read this report from Mark Winskel and Inês Crespo from our recent UKERC/ ClimateXChange in Edinburgh in October, in which we brought together stakeholders from across the energy sector met to address energy policy and research priorities for Scotland. Mel MacRae, Robert Gross, Anne Marte Bergseng Painted with One Brush: Why We Need Diverse Approaches to Retrofit in the Private Rented Sector With rising energy costs, investing in energy retrofitting is increasingly important. In this blog, based on new research, Giulia Mininni the barriers to retrofit in the private rental sector. Plus as always a selection of jobs, funding and some exciting events for your diary: http://bit.ly/3YJdQvb

How low can we go? How can the UK achieve deep transport energy demand reductions while maintaining our quality of life? This blog from Christian Brand explores low energy demand pathways for reducing transport-related energy demand, with a detailed case study of the UK.

Policy and luck have bought Europe a reprieve from the high gas prices in the winters of 2022 and 2023, but this isn't guaranteed to continue. In Michael Bradshaw and Louis Fletcher's latest blog for The Conversation UK, they discuss how the UK, heavily reliant on gas for heating and electricity, is particularly vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply risks. With winter approaching, the potential for another gas crisis remains a concern.

Ammonia is a potential alternative fuel for shipping. It produces no direct carbon emissions when burned. Read new research from Abhilasha Fullonton, Amanda Lea-Langton, Fatima Madugu and Alice Larkin on the challenges and opportunities in using ammonia as a green fuel.

In this week’s Newsletter: The Gas crisis is not over yet - new blog by Michael Bradshaw and Louis Fletcher for The Conversation UK Global gas prices remain volatile and subject to disruptions. The UK, heavily reliant on gas for heating and electricity, is particularly vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply risks. With winter approaching, the potential for another gas crisis remains a concern. Achieving deep transport energy demand reductions in the United Kingdom How low can we go? How can the UK achieve deep transport energy demand reductions while maintaining our quality of life? This blog from Christian Brand explores low energy demand (or LED) pathways for reducing transport-related energy demand, with a detailed case study of the UK. Ending century-long speculation about the impact of heat pumps on demand Heat pumps are 3 to 4 times more efficient than gas boilers, and are crucial to meeting our carbon targets. But they are also a major factor in the expected doubling of electricity demand by 2050. This new blog from Andy Hackett explores five lessons on electricity use from heat pumps. New Publication: Green Ammonia Adoption in Shipping: Opportunities and Challenges Across the Fuel Supply Chain Green ammonia is produced from renewable hydrogen with no direct CO2 emissions when combusted, making it an important option to consider for emissions reduction. This research uses a mixed methods approach, including analysing shipping stakeholders’ perspectives, to consider the full range of factors relating to its deployment and use. Alice Larkin, Abhilasha Fullonton, Amanda Lea-Langton, and Fatima Madugu. Plus as always a selection of jobs, funding and some exciting events for your diary: https://lnkd.in/e6yY7f8N

This study from Eleanya Nduka and Modupe Jimoh study utilises novel data to investigate the impact of cooking energy sources and indoor air pollution on the happiness, life satisfaction, physical, and mental health of women in Nigeria.

Join us in Cardiff on 12 December for the launch our flagship publication, the UKERC Review of Energy Policy 2024. This in-person event will gather energy researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders for thought-provoking discussions, engaging presentations, and networking opportunities. Join us to hear from Nick Pidgeon, Ben Burggraaf, Jennifer Pride, Karen Henwood, Meysam Qadrdan, Dr Jessica Britton, Robert Gross and more.

“I am incredibly excited to be joining the 2030 Clean Power Mission as a Commissioner – it’s an honour to join such a fantastic team to help forge a path toward clean power by 2030.” UKERC Director Robert Gross will be joining Chris Stark as one of the board of commissioners for the 2030 clean power mission.