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Durham Energy Institute

Durham Energy Institute delivers understanding, leadership and solutions for energy decarbonisation and the transition to net-zero.
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About DEI

Decarbonising energy is one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today.

To meet current targets for reducing greenhouse emissions, addressing climate change and achieving the sustainable development goals, the global energy system needs to move towards renewable energy at unprecedented pace and scale. We need to increase sources of secure low-carbon energy, reduce fossil fuel use and change energy-use practices in our society and industry. However, to be sustainable, decarbonisation must at least avoid increasing the inequalities - and ideally, start to reduce them.
About Us
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Approaching energy as socio-technical helps us to understand solutions fully and from many perspectives.

Durham Energy Institute works to ensure sustainable and resilient low-carbon energy systems can be developed which meet the needs of different contexts and ensure fair access for everyone.

Examples of our leadership in energy research include:

  • Promoting a whole-systems approach to energy research integrating the social, environmental, economic, policy, technical and regulatory implications of energy pathways and choices
  • Best practice in innovative training for future energy leaders
  • World-leading research to make Offshore Wind more affordable and reliable
  • Leading international research on smart energy solutions
  • Working with industrial clusters to developing innovative decarbonisation solutions
  • Driving forward the UK Hydrogen Revolution
  • Discovering and developing new energy materials to help achieve durable, efficient, and sustainable energy systems.

With our global partners, DEI is making a real contribution to global energy transitions and ensuring effective solutions for decarbonisation are delivered at local, regional, national and international scales.

Latest activity at DEI

News Article - The Path to a Just Transition from DEI Energy Day 2023 on 9th November 2023

Tman in ties sat at office desk

EDI+ network event is - Workshop on the Theory of Change presented by Dr Helen Cramman on 22nd November 2023

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News article - Professor Jon Gluyas elected Honorary Fellow of Geological Society of India

Professor Jon Gluyas with white hair, beard and glasses stands in front of an old wooden door in red and black academic robes.

DEI Fellow, Professor Gavin Bridge on ‘The Why Curve’ podcast, discussing ‘The Real Bill for Energy' from the podcast series – Tides of Transformation

An image of an oil rig to be used on a news post.

Discover more

Get in touch

Enquiries about the Durham Energy Institute should be sent via the email below.

Durham Energy Institute
Durham University
South Road
Durham
DH1 3LE
UK

Tel: +44 (0)191 334 2649
Fax: +44 (0)191 334 2408

Energy Institute News

  • The path to a Just Transition

    Last week, academics, government leaders and industry experts from across the energy sector gathered in Durham City for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of energy and how to ensure a just transition to a cleaner future. This event brought together speakers from finance, policy, technology and advocacy backgrounds to share their insights on the policies and finance needed to achieve a Just Transition.
    Research news
    man in ties sat at office desk

  • UK Approves Controversial New North Sea Oil Field, Outraging Climate Activists

    DEI fellow Professor Gavin Bridge from our Department of Geography has co-authored an article in The Conversation which claims that Rosebank shows the UK’s offshore oil regulator no longer serves the public good.
    Global research
    An image of an oil rig to be used on a news post.

  • New Interim Director for the Durham Energy Institute

    We welcome Simone Abram, Professor in the Department of Anthropology, as the Interim Director of the Durham Energy Institute. She took up this post on 1st September 2023. She became a Co-director of DEI in 2015 and active member of the Executive Team.
    Research news
    Simone Abram

The path to a Just Transition

Last week, academics, government leaders and industry experts from across the energy sector gathered in Durham City for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of energy and how to ensure a just transition to a cleaner future. This event brought together speakers from finance, policy, technology and advocacy backgrounds to share their insights on the policies and finance needed to achieve a Just Transition.

Research news
man in ties sat at office desk

UK Approves Controversial New North Sea Oil Field, Outraging Climate Activists

DEI fellow Professor Gavin Bridge from our Department of Geography has co-authored an article in The Conversation which claims that Rosebank shows the UK’s offshore oil regulator no longer serves the public good.
Global research
An image of an oil rig to be used on a news post.

New Interim Director for the Durham Energy Institute

We welcome Simone Abram, Professor in the Department of Anthropology, as the Interim Director of the Durham Energy Institute. She took up this post on 1st September 2023. She became a Co-director of DEI in 2015 and active member of the Executive Team.
Research news
Simone Abram
Find out about our latest research and news