Energy and Environment - Low Carbon Energy Solutions

Sustainable use of fossil fuels

The Energy and Resources Research Institute is developing novel technologies to produce low carbon futures. For example, carbon capture and storage, low emission road and aviation transport and, low emission power production.

In addition, the Institute for Resilient Infrastructure (iRI) is investigating carbon storage via low energy construction materials, alternative binders for concrete and building physics.

Renewable technology

The Energy and Resources Research Institute has extensive research in the area of bioenergy, leading the SuperGen bioenergy research consortium representing the major UK research activity in the area. Other bioenergy research areas include safe handling of biomass in power stations, optimum bio-harvesting to maximise fuel quality.

In addition, the Energy and Resources Research Institute is developing novel solutions in the area of waste to energy, wind power, solar energy, hydrogen and fuel cells.

The Institute for Materials Research is developing novel nanoparticles for photocatalytic hydrogen generation and carbon capture.

The Institute of Engineering Thermofluids, Surfaces and Interfaces is working on new low emission fuels and lubricants for internal combustion engines.

Future fuels

Three of our research institutes are actively engaged in research in the area of future fuels: the Energy and Resources Research Institute; the Institute of Engineering Thermofluids, Surfaces and Interfaces.

The Pathogen Control Engineering Institute is involved in energy generation from waste and particularly anaerobic digestion processes for solid waste and waste water.

Designing sustainable systems

The Institute for Engineering Systems Design is actively engaged in research in this area. Our research covers the design of sustainable products (such as energy efficient vehicles and products for use in situations with limited resources), and in collaboration with colleagues in the University's Socio-technical Centre, the design of robust business and societal systems including both technical and social perspectives.

Energy Efficient Vehicles

The Institute for Engineering Systems Design and the Institute of Engineering Thermofluids, Surfaces and Interfaces are actively engaged in research aimed at reducing the fuel consumption of vehicles including efficient combustion processes, reducing friction, minimising aerodynamic drag and use of lightweight materials.

The Institute for Materials Research is developing high temperature piezoelectric materials and devices for fuel efficient control strategies in both automotive and aero engines.

Low energy communication systems and networks

The Institute of Integrated Information Systems is developing new low energy systems, networks and protocols for the future internet.

Sustainable nuclear power

Three of our research institutes are actively researching in the area of sustainable nuclear power: the Institute of Particle Science and Engineering; the Institute for Resilient Infrastructure and the Pathogen Control Engineering Institute working on radioactive waste management.

Energy storage

The Institute of Particle Science and Engineering is evaluating phase-change materials for energy storage, visit their website for more information.

Energy policy and planning

The Energy and Resources Research Institute has some research activity in this area, developing inter-disciplinary integrated energy systems for the city of Leeds.

Low head hydropower and resolving the water-energy nexus

The Pathogen Control Engineering Institute is actively engaged in research in this area with particular interest in modelling river flows and provision of low energy water and sanitation for developing countries, visit their website for more information.