Energy Research Cluster

The Energy Research Cluster is leading cutting-edge research activities related to the use of solar energy technology solution (Photovoltaics and Concentrated Solar Power) to tackle the energy crisis. The research team is also interested in solar thermal materials and applications, materials ageing and durability evaluation, thermal energy storage using molten salts at high working temperatures, thermal energy harvesting as well as ground source heating systems for energy generation. In addition, the research team works on evaluating the socioeconomic, environmental and livelihood impact of renewable energy plants on local communities. 

The Energy Research Cluster groups different experts with wide fields of expertise to tackle all areas of renewable energy production. These include materials science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, process engineering. We are leading consultancies and have contracted projects with city council institutions and private companies to help them achieving their NetZero emissions target by adopting renewable energy resources. The team is also involved in many European long-term research projects, between 18 and 48 months. Within these projects, we develop new solutions that can be implemented in the market and increase the use of renewable energy as primarily source of energy production.

Our aims

We aim to provide solutions to decrease carbon emissions by installing renewable energy sources and getting rid of the conventional sources. Our research activities include Photovoltaics (PV), Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and ground-source heating technology. Regarding the PV technology, we are assessing the greenhouse gases (GHG), emissions for large solar power plants and potential use of solar PV as a primary energy production technology and help reach the NetZero target. Regarding CSP technology, we are developing solutions for hot water generation using thermal energy systems.

The team is also working on:

• Solar collector characterisation and ageing evaluation
• Polymer films for solar power plant heliostats and line-focus solar collectors
• Linear Fresnel community scale CSP
• Heliostat design and manufacture
• Solar thermal heating and cooling
• Solar driven desalination and water purification
• Thermal storage
• Nanostructured thermoelectric devices for energy harvesting.

Within the energy research cluster team, there are many international collaborations including France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Jordan, India, Algeria, Pakistan, Bahrain, and Nigeria.

We are always interested in research proposals on topics related to renewable energy technologies and applications. We welcome proposals related to concentrating solar power and its applications for power generation, heating, cooling, industrial process heat, and thermal desalination.

Thermal energy storage, including PCM and thermochemical materials, is also a core area for our research.  

Our research

• Desalination project: Demonstration of concentrated solar power coupled with advanced desalination system in the gulf region. This is a European H2020 project involving more than 12 international partners.  
• Affordable Heating and Cooling in Care Homes: A research project in collaboration with Derby City Council 
• Energy Catalyst Project: A hybrid energy system for clean cooking and electricity generation. The project was awarded UK Innovate Grant.
• Sustainability Assessment for the Discovery Centre at the National Stone Centre: A project in partnership with the Institute of Quarrying.
• 'Gravity' Turbine research: Vortex Energies Ltd partner.

Join us

We are continuously expanding our team and our research portfolio. So, whether you are a student who want to carry on with their MPhil or PhD, a professional who intent to join the team or a company, institution or a scientific partner interested in collaborating, please contact Dr Mounia Karim for further information.