net zero

Controlling degradation of structural materials: A call for leadership in mapping the optimal route to Net Zero

By Andrew Bowfield Filed Under: All posts, Renewables, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: September 13, 2021

The UK’s legally binding target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 remains world-leading, but the changes required of key sectors are substantial and the date by which such changes need implementing remain shrouded in uncertainty. A strategic approach, directed by senior leadership, offers the best chance of realising the significant economic and societal […]

Decarbonising transport: Inequality, joined-up action, and the risk of technological optimism

By Cristina Temenos and Joe Blakey Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Renewables, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: August 5, 2021

The Department for Transport (DfT) recently released their long-awaited Decarbonising Transport plan. In this blog, Dr Cristina Temenos and Dr Joe Blakey outline how its technologically-optimistic vision risks locking in high-carbon futures, overlooking transport inequalities, and opportunities for joined-up thinking and the precautionary principle. DfT’s Decarbonising Transport Plan makes some welcome proposals, but it is […]

Taking the lead in hydrogen: next steps

By Phil Withers and Robert Sorrell Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Renewables, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: June 22, 2021

The deployment of new and existing materials will play a critical role in delivering the growth of the hydrogen sector, identified as a cornerstone of the UK Government’s net zero ambitions. In this blog, Professor Phil Withers and Dr Robert Sorrell, from the Henry Royce Institute, lay out the research priorities on the path to […]

Advanced nuclear energy for Net Zero: A strategy for action

By Francis Livens Filed Under: Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: June 15, 2021

The UK has committed to a net zero 2050 target, but what place does nuclear energy have in meeting this ambition? In this blog, Professor Francis Livens from the Dalton Nuclear Institute outlines the recommendations of a new roadmap for the UK’s nuclear sector, including its role in hydrogen production, and what steps are needed […]

Decarbonising heating: flying by the heat of our pants?

By Laurence Stamford Filed Under: Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Renewables, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: April 26, 2021

The 26th UN Climate Change Conference – COP26 – is on the horizon, due to kick off in Glasgow on 1 November. It seems that, despite the socio-economic worries brought on by a global pandemic, heightened societal attention to climate change is here to stay. Now, more than ever, climate change is at the forefront […]

Skills shortage: The biggest challenge to offshore wind in 2021

By Mike Barnes Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Renewables, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: March 8, 2021

If we want to support the increased electrification of transport and heat proposed in the Energy White Paper, this will require a radical change in the management of our energy economy. Managing and driving this new economy requires the development of a skilled workforce. The problem is, it’s not clear where the skills will come […]

The hydrogen economy: why is the sub-surface essential?

By Kevin Taylor Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: February 18, 2021

The UK Government has made a commitment to deliver a hydrogen economy as a means to decarbonise heating and heavy transport. This was most recently highlighted in the Government’s “Ten-point plan for a green industrial revolution” and the recent Energy White Paper “Powering our net zero future”. In this blog, Professor Kevin Taylor, from the […]

How can we drive businesses to deliver on Net Zero?

By Jonatan Pinkse Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Renewables, Urban Posted: February 3, 2021

Nearly a fifth of the UK’s carbon emissions are generated by businesses. With global emissions expected to be just 4% lower than in 2019, urgent action is required across all sectors to achieve net zero goals. But how can we push businesses to sustainability when their bottom line is at stake? Here, Professor Jonatan Pinkse, […]

The 2020 Energy White Paper- Is nuclear power back?

By Francis Livens Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: December 15, 2020

The long-awaited Energy White Paper, Powering Our Net Zero Future, sets out an ambitious pathway to decarbonisation of the UK. It maps out many possible scenarios, with nuclear energy ranging from an irrelevance to a major contributor. Here, Professor Francis Livens from the Dalton Nuclear Institute, looks at what needs to happen in order for […]

Mobility transitions: COVID-19 and building back better post-carbon transport futures

By Cristina Temenos Filed Under: Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment Posted: November 5, 2020

In the days and weeks following the global lockdowns due to COVID-19, reports emerged on plunging carbon emissions and better air quality. The hashtag #BuildBackBetter quickly emerged as communities and governments started thinking about how to reconfigure essential travel infrastructure in a rapidly changing world. But as lockdown restrictions have eased, to varying levels, emissions […]