The University of Strathclyde is a partner in a new Energy Demand Research Centre (EDRC) which has been awarded a share of £53 million from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
The EDRC, which received £15 million, is one of six new research centres being supported by UKRI to help drive forward change in the energy system and help to meet the UK’s net zero target by 2050.
Together the Centres will boost knowledge, create innovative green technologies and reduce demand for energy to achieve greener, cleaner domestic, industrial and transport energy systems.
Led by Sussex and Newcastle universities, the EDRC will provide solutions for energy demand reduction and enable local and national level decision-making across the UK. The University of Strathclyde’s Centre for Energy Policy will lead a focus on equity issues and efforts to ensure the real world impact of the research. Other partners include Cardiff, Edinburgh, Imperial, Lancaster, University College London, Leeds, Manchester, Reading, and Surrey universities.
Reducing energy use could help meet half of the required emissions reductions we need to become a Net Zero society by 2050, and the EDRC will build a critical evidence base for understanding how this can be achieved.
The funding of £15 million has been awarded by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
Shaping policies
Professor Karen Turner, Director of the Centre for Energy Policy, said: “The University of Strathclyde’s Centre for Energy Policy is delighted to be part of this critical energy demand-focused Centre. As lead on the theme focusing on equity issues and real world impact champion for the Centre, I believe our work can generate and bring important evidence to bear on shaping policies that reduce energy demand and realise sustainable futures that are more equitable, affordable and accessible for all.”
Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive of UKRI, said: “The government has set a target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050, requiring rapid decarbonisation of our energy systems. UKRI is leveraging its ability to work across disciplines to support this ambition through a major portfolio of investments that will catalyse innovation and new green energy systems.
“The funding announced today will support researchers and innovators to develop game changing ideas to improve domestic, industrial and transport energy systems.”