THE University of Strathclyde has been announced as a partner in the new Energy Reduction Demand Research Centre (EDRC).
The centre has been awarded £15 million from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to help drive forward change in the energy system and help the UK meet its 2050 net zero target.
The £15 million scheme forms part of a £53 million pot which has been shared amongst six research centres. Together, the centres will look to 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. The University of Edinburgh is also a partner, alongside, Cardiff, Imperial, Lancaster, University College London, Leeds, Manchester, Reading, and Surrey universities.
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, added, “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.”
