Research Themes

• Durham University has received over £36M of funding for energy research in the past 7 years putting us in the top quartile of UK higher education institutes.
• Over 90% of our research has been rated of international quality.

We are world leaders in the development of thin-film photovoltaics, offshore wind technology and technologies for fusion energy. We also have leading UK research groups working on energy distribution networks, microgeneration, carbon capture and storage, geo-energy, plants and microbes for energy, clean chemical processes and the societal aspects of energy use.  

The following technological missions have been identified for the Durham Energy Institute.  They are based upon the existing expertise and strong track record already within Durham University:

• Biofuels and photovoltaics - including superconductors and clean chemical processes.
• Electricity Conversion, Transmission and Distribution - including wind, wave, hydro, microgeneration, smart grids, turbomachinery and grid integration of renewables
• Geo-Energy - including the exploitation of fossil fuels, carbon capture and storage and geothermal energy
• Society and Energy - including public engagement, consumer behaviour
• Business, Economics and Law - including resource management and pricing, technological change and innovation, carbon finance, economics of renewables, environmental impacts.
• Technologies for Fusion Energy

Durham Energy Institute will build upon these technological areas through integrating societal elements with the technical programmes.