How do we deliver a low-carbon future while meeting the world’s growing energy demands? On Wednesday 29 April, a webinar brought together professors and researchers from the Institute to explore practical, scalable solutions for the energy transition.
Chaired by Professor Stuart Clarke, the session highlighted how fundamental research is enabling cleaner fuels, more efficient machines, and smarter use of waste heat, turning scientific insight into real-world impact.
Dr Rafia Nimal discussed the role of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier, focusing on her innovative work in electrolysis to improve the efficiency and scalability of hydrogen production. Her research tackles one of the key challenges in making green hydrogen a viable component of future energy systems.
Professor Alex Routh explored how improving efficiency can deliver immediate energy savings, drawing on research into drag reduction, fluid flow, and machine performance. By reducing energy losses in transport and industrial systems, these advances offer powerful – and often overlooked – routes to decarbonisation.
Professor Andy Woods examined how heat storage and re-use can transform energy systems, from storing heat in underground aquifers to capturing waste heat from data centres and using it to warm homes. His work shows how smarter thermal management can cut emissions while making better use of energy we already generate.
This event was part of The Future of Physical Sciences webinar series. You can watch a video recording of the whole seminar here.