Energy news

Woman cooking with biomass

COP26 EXPLAINER: Biomass: what is it, why cooking with it is an issue, and what º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is doing to develop and promote alternatives

A rapid and just transition to clean energy across the globe will dominate discussions at COP26 as it is crucial to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement for avoiding dangerous climate change and limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
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What is COP26 and why should I care about it?

This November, the UK is hosting COP26 in Glasgow – but what actually is COP26 and why should we care about it?
Atomic concept

Ultrasound at the nanometre scale reveals the nature of force

Researchers have developed a new method to measure force and atomic bonds at the nanoscale that reveals that the speed of sound depends on the structure it is travelling through.
Sun rising over a solar panel farm

Missing piece in solar panel puzzle solved by º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ scientists – and it could lead to more efficient technology

Silicon-based solar modules dominate the current market. However, they are expensive and have a high carbon footprint.
Photo of wind turbines in fields at sunset

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ academics contribute to the Ten Point Plan for Green Growth in the Midlands Engine

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ academics played a key role in preparing a plan that aims to accelerate the Midlands and the UK’s path to net zero.

What electric vehicle manufacturers can learn from China – their biggest market

Despite the pandemic, global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) increased by 43% in 2020. Total EV sales in China were 1.3 million, an increase of 8% compared to 2019, and 41% of all EVs sold worldwide. Though Europe sold more than China for the first time since 2015, China is still the world’s biggest national market for EVs.

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ receives UKRI funding to develop the next generation of batteries

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, as part of a consortium led by Lucideon, and partner KWSP, has received funding from UKRI's Faraday battery challenge fund to assess two technologies to manufacture components for solid-state batteries.
Illustration of a building with different energy supplies

New AI system predicts building energy rates in less than a second

At a time when the UK is trying to reach net zero by 2050, the timely, accurate calculation of energy efficiency is a vital component of the design process for new and refurbished buildings.

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ-led project to help guide national rollout of Electric Vehicle chargepoints

A new º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ-led study will be examining the use of existing Electric Vehicle (EV) chargepoint networks to help guide their widespread introduction across the UK.

Tommy Ross

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ student wins global prize for clean cooking innovation

Tommy Ross has beaten competition from around the world to win bronze in the Grand Final of the Efficiency for Access Design Challenge.

Ghana’s electricity supply mix has improved, but reliability and cost is still a challenge

Ghana has made significant progress over the past 10 years in increasing electricity generation and access.
A drone flying against a pink sky

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ researchers to help develop next-generation drone technology for intelligent solar plant inspections

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ researchers are to help develop cutting edge drone robotics for autonomous, fast, ultra-high-resolution solar plant inspections as part of a new collaborative project funded by Innovate UK.
Illustration of solar panels

Sustainable energy expert appointed Chair of UN group dedicated to increasing solar energy uptake

An academic in º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ’s School of Social Sciences and Humanities has been appointed to a United Nations role that will allow her to continue pushing for solar energy uptake.

Displaced community waits in line for food.

Clean energy cooking in refugee camps should be prioritised on the humanitarian agenda, new briefing note argues

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 79.5 million people were forcibly displaced in the world at the end of 2019, and over the course of 2020, that number has soared beyond 80 million*.
Wind turbines in a forest

New AI tool, developed by º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ experts, 85% accurate for recognising and classifying wind turbine blade defects

Demand for wind power has grown, and with it the need to inspect turbine blades and identify defects that may impact operation efficiency.

International initiative aimed at reducing the use of biomass for cooking awards £826,000 to 14 new projects

More than £800,000 has been awarded to 14 innovative projects around the globe which aim to reduce the reliance of cooking with charcoal, wood and other biomass fuels.

Nearly half the world’s population still lacks access to modern energy cooking services – new report

Four billion people around the world still lack access to clean, efficient, convenient, safe, reliable, and affordable cooking energy, according to a new report.

New research reveals smart homes can flatten peak demand

Incisive new research undertaken by º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ in partnership with the Solar Trade Association (STA) and Advance Further Energy reveals significant positive impacts of smart energy technologies in the home, including carbon reductions, energy bill savings, and improved system resilience.
Water house and rendered images of the tech.

New study reveals water-filled windows could make a huge splash when it comes to saving energy and reducing global carbon emissions

Most everyone knows that heating and cooling buildings is not only expensive, but a massive issue due to the resulting carbon emissions.

The future of free, portable energy: Wearable technology that powers your devices as you move

Small, flexible generators which convert movement into electricity could soon be the future of free and unlimited energy thanks to a breakthrough in energy harvesting technology.
Thermometer on fire.

Global warming now pushing heat into territory humans cannot tolerate

The explosive growth and success of human society over the past 10,000 years has been underpinned by a distinct range of climate conditions.

Coronavirus is a once in a lifetime chance to reshape how we travel

The transport sector has been impacted as much as any by the coronavirus. This isn’t a normal period of disruption, which is usually caused by failures in supply such as road accidents or industrial action. In this case it is the lack of demand that is the problem.
Illustrations of cars in arrows.

Four things the UK government must do to phase out petrol, diesel and hybrid cars by 2035

The UK government recently pledged to bring forward a ban on new diesel and petrol car sales from 2040, to 2035.

A car taking off the road. Illustration.

Are self-driving cars safe? Expert on how we will drive in the future

Cars are changing – fast. But are innovations such as autonomous and flying cars a bright new dawn, or just a wild pipe dream? And if they become the future’s way of getting from A to B, can we trust them to take us there safely? Here are five key questions answered by º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ's Professor Andrew Morris, an expert in Human Factors in Transport Safety.
Ask an Expert.

Video Q&A: We asked an expert panel your questions on the future of transport

What will our cars look like if they become fully autonomous? What’s the likelihood of vehicle-to-grid being successful? Will flying cars be safe? Or will they present new dangers?