Working towards a fully sustainable energy sector

Cardiff University experts will support six UKRI-funded research centres and hubs lead innovation towards a net zero energy sector. Academics from Cardiff University will lend their expertise to three new research initiatives to drive forward change in the energy system and help the UK meet its net zero target. The Energy Demand Research Centre (EDRC), the Hydrogen Integration for Accelerated Energy Transitions Hub (HI-ACT) and the Supergen Energy Networks Impact Hub are part of a £53 million UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) investment in six new research centres and hubs set to lead the UK to a fully sustainable energy sector. The centres will boost knowledge, create innovative green technologies and reduce demand for energy to achieve greener, cleaner domestic, industrial and transport energy systems. Professor Meysam Qadrdan from Cardiff University's School of Engineering will support the EDRC build an evidence base for understanding consumer behaviour, assessing the impact of socio-technical energy demand reduction measures, and research mechanisms to improve energy efficiency. With funding of £15 million awarded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the centre will investigate how domestic, industrial and transport energy demand reduction can be delivered on a local and national level across the UK. Professor Qadrdan said: "Decarbonising the demand sectors and reducing the energy consumption are 'no regret' strategies to tackle climate change and improve energy security.