Energy and Environment

Can geothermal energy provide a sustainable source of renewable heat in the UK?

By Cathy Hollis Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Renewables, Science and Engineering Posted: January 23, 2023

With the move towards sustainable, low carbon energy in the UK, alongside a need for long-term energy security, a range of renewable energy sources are under consideration by national and devolved governments in the UK. Some, like wind energy, are well-developed, while others have barely entered the public consciousness. One such source is geothermal energy. […]

Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage – real-worlding emission estimates

By Muir Freer, Clair Gough and Andrew Welfle Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering, UK economy Posted: January 16, 2023

Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) could play an important role in meeting the UK’s net zero emissions target according to the sixth carbon budget scenarios. However, there are many different ways BECCS could be deployed in the UK, and how that roll out is managed could make a big difference in terms of […]

Generating solutions: responses and reforms for the energy price crisis

By Edward Manderson Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Energy and Environment, Renewables, Science and Technology Posted: October 31, 2022

The UK and Europe are facing rapid increases in energy prices from what were already high levels. While the UK has committed to an energy price cap until April 2023, beyond this date only targeted support for the poorest households is likely to be affordable. In this blog, Dr Ed Manderson explains the impact that […]

How can nuclear help with energy costs – and how do we pay for nuclear?

By William Bodel Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering Posted: October 24, 2022

Europe is struggling through a period of exorbitant energy prices. In addition to directly hitting consumers with a higher cost of living, high energy prices will also have detrimental effects on business and industry. In this blog, Will Bodel from the Dalton Nuclear Institute examines the role of nuclear energy in reducing the cost of […]

On productivity and Net Zero

By Jonatan Pinkse Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Growth and Inclusion, Industry 4.0, OnProductivity, Renewables, Science and Engineering, UK economy Posted: October 21, 2022

The UK government has assigned itself with the tasks of boosting productivity in left-behind areas and transitioning to a net-zero economy. In this blog, Professor Jonatan Pinkse explores how the UK can simultaneously improve its standards of productivity regionally while transitioning to a net-zero economy. His policy recommendations include securing green jobs and not using […]

Fracking’s back on the menu, but is it half-baked?

By Laurence Stamford Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Energy and Environment, Renewables, Science and Engineering Posted: September 30, 2022

The UK and other European countries are facing a severe energy crisis, with the potential to place more than 8 million UK households in fuel poverty this winter. This ‘energy’ crisis is more accurately a natural gas crisis, driven mostly by restrictions on Russian gas supply to Europe. In one of her first initiatives as […]

Water demand and drought: how can we reduce demand to address multiple socio-environmental crises?

By Claire Hoolohan, Alison Browne and Joseph Cahill Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Science and Technology Posted: September 23, 2022

Water demand and drought: how can we reduce demand to address multiple socio-environmental crises? Droughts are becoming more severe across the UK and Europe, not least as a result of climate change, and there are renewed debates about sustainability and continuation of water supplies. How people use water in their homes has consequences for water […]

The many facets of sustainable fashion – how to tackle the issue

By Claudia Henninger Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Science and Technology Posted: September 20, 2022

Do sustainability and fashion go hand in hand? Sustainable fashion and engaging with it, is a complex process – and there is no ‘one fits all’ solution – it requires a collaborative approach from business, consumers and policymakers. In this blog, Dr Claudia E Henninger examines the relationship between fashion and sustainability, and highlights opportunities […]

Nuclear power – the role of government

By Adrian Bull and William Bodel Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Energy and Environment, Science and Technology Posted: August 5, 2022

In 2006, Prime Minister Tony Blair assured Britain that nuclear was “back on the agenda with a vengeance”. Boris Johnson has described his commitment to deliver nuclear at “warp speed”, and the three intervening Prime Ministers have also emphasised their support for nuclear. Yet Britain’s first new nuclear plant – Hinkley Point C (HPC) – […]

The skills gap for long term nuclear future

By Aneeqa Khan Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted: July 22, 2022

The world’s climate and energy crises continues to worsen with extreme weather, heatwaves and increasing global energy prices. The IEA’s net zero by 2050 pathway has identified the need for nuclear, including SMRs growing support for this in the UK, Canada, France and the US. In this blog, Aneeqa Khan discusses the steps needed to […]