Energy
Accelerating progress towards a resilient and integrated clean energy system through cutting-edge innovation, inclusive governance and meaningful stakeholder engagement.
The Energy theme is creating new critical mass to drive the transition to a clean, resilient and equitable energy future at the unprecedented speed and scale demanded by the climate crisis. We are reimagining an integrated system that combines cutting-edge technologies with measures to lower energy demand, build secure and flexible power systems, and deliver governance frameworks that are underpinned by fairness and accountability. We will embed equity and responsibility at the heart of our activities and aim to ensure that new energy pathways address social and environmental sustainability while supporting innovation.
Our expertise spans the full spectrum of technical energy solutions: from geothermal, hydrogen, nuclear and offshore renewables to storage, smart electricity networks and advanced digital technologies. Yet the 21st century transformation is not only about energy supply — it is equally about demand, infrastructure and the social systems that shape how energy is produced, distributed and consumed. By combining technical innovation with governance, justice and behavioural change, we will deliver co-developed, scalable solutions. Working with industry, public bodies and communities, we will accelerate progress from pilot projects to real-world impact, securing an energy system that is innovative, inclusive and resilient for generations to come.
Key Institutes and Centres:
- Dalton Nuclear Institute
- Global Development Institute
- Henry Royce Institute
- International Centre for Advanced Materials
- The JUST Centre
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology
- Manchester Urban Institute
- National Graphene Institute
- Sustainable Consumption Institute
- Thomas Ashton Institute
- Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research
Case Studies
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Decarbonising transport and industry
In collaboration with The University of Manchester, researchers at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change worked alongside the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and a team of modellers at the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency to devise ways to reduce carbon emissions in the transport and industry sectors.
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Thermocill
How can a heat-saving system cut both CO2 emission and family bills? Entrepreneur Keith Rimmer worked with The University of Manchester to create a device that could lead to a reduction of around 150kg CO2 emission for a 3-bed semi, and deliver an estimated energy saving of 8% — equivalent to £93 saving on annual fuel bills.
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