Research
Research themes
The work of the group is divided into several research themes addressing the major challenges facing energy studies today.
- Energy innovations and transitions
Fostering the transition towards sustainable energy systems is central to addressing climate change and other pressing societal issues. We examine technical, social and political aspects of change processes in multiple sectors. By engaging with policymakers, industry and civil society across the globe, we aim to open up pathways to inclusive and sustainable energy futures.
National Centre for Energy Systems Integration (CESI)
Carbon Intensive Regions in Transition - Unravelling the Challenges of Structural Change (CINTRAN)
Governance of Discontinuity in Technological Systems (DISCGO)
Governance of Sociotechnical Transformations (GoST)
Innovation Pathways, Strategies and Policies for the Low-Carbon Transition in Europe (INNOPATHS)
Social Innovation in Energy Transitions (SONNET)
Social, Technological and Environmental Pathways to Sustainability (STEPS)
- Economics and finance
Economics and finance are central to the challenge of the low carbon transition. We draw upon mainstream and alternative economic perspectives to better understand the complex relationships between energy, finance, innovation and economic growth. Our projects are problem-oriented and applied, and engage with a range of contemporary UK and international policy debates.
- Energy justice
We investigate both the process and outcome of energy policies and transitions through a justice lens. This includes questions of vulnerability and fuel poverty in Europe; corruption and violence against marginalized groups in Africa and Asia; and global issues of energy and human rights. We also explore how energy innovations can create new possibilities for improving equity and well-being.
Carbon Intensive Regions in Transition - Unravelling the Challenges of Structural Change (CINTRAN)
Governance of Discontinuity in Technological Systems (DISCGO)
Fuel and Transport Poverty in the UK’s Energy Transition (FAIR)
Innovation Pathways, Strategies and Policies for the Low-Carbon Transition in Europe (INNOPATHS)
Toward Just, Ethical and Sustainable Arctic Economies, Environments and Societies (JUST NORTH)
LAND use based MitigAtion for Resilient Climate pathways (LANDMARC)
Responsive Organising for Low Emission Societies (ROLES)
Social, Technological and Environmental Pathways to Sustainability (STEPS)
- Energy demand and behaviour
Significant changes in energy demand will be necessary to meet the challenges of climate change and sustainability. Energy demand research often focuses on incremental behaviour change or technological fixes. Our research goes beyond this, considering how people use and interact with technology, how organisations effect change and how policies can encourage this change.
Centre for Research Into Energy Demand Solutions (CREDS)
LAND use based MitigAtion for Resilient Climate pathways (LANDMARC)
- Smart infrastructure
Capital-intensive infrastructures – such as electricity grids, pipelines, rail networks, roads, electric charging points, buildings, and ICT – are key to delivering energy services. We investigate the governance challenges resulting from the increasing interconnectedness of such infrastructures, and how investment in smarter, low carbon infrastructures can be accelerated.
- Energy supply technologies
We study the economics, social acceptance and broader sociotechnical implications of different energy supply options. We conduct policy-relevant research on a range of technologies including nuclear, coal, gas and renewables. Our research examines issues related to the deployment of new technologies as well as the discontinuation of carbon-intensive technologies and the management of nuclear waste.
National Centre for Energy Systems Integration (CESI)
Governance of Discontinuity in Technological Systems (DISCGO)
Fracking, Framing and Effective Participation
Responsive Organising for Low Emission Societies (ROLES)
Social, Technological and Environmental Pathways to Sustainability (STEPS)