Thermal Energy Challenge Network

Completed

Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research(Energy Models)
Energy Efficiency(Residential and commercial)
Energy Efficiency(Industry)
Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research(Environmental, social and economic impacts)

Basic and strategic applied research

SOCIAL SCIENCES (Politics and International Studies)
SOCIAL SCIENCES (Sociology)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Systems Analysis related to energy R&D (Energy modelling)
Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Environmental dimensions)
Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Policy and regulation)
Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Other sociological economical and environmental impact of energy)
Other (Energy technology information dissemination)

Professor A P Roskilly
Sir Joseph Swan Institute
Newcastle University

Standard

EPSRC

01 October 2019

30 April 2020

7 months

£33,591

Energy

North East

Energy : Energy

Professor A P Roskilly, Sir Joseph Swan Institute, Newcastle University

Professor D Reay, School of Chemical Engineering & Advanced Materials, Newcastle University
Professor SA Tassou, Sch of Engineering and Design, Brunel University

Project Contact, National Oceanography Centre
Project Contact, De Montfort University
Project Contact, Heat Pump Association
Project Contact, University of Strathclyde
Project Contact, University of Birmingham
Project Contact, Econotherm (UK) ltd
Project Contact, University of Glasgow
Project Contact, Confederation of Paper Industries
Project Contact, British Glass
Project Contact, University Centre Peterborough
Project Contact, University of Chichester
Project Contact, Macclesfield College of Further and Higher Education
Project Contact, Durham University
Project Contact, University of Nottingham
Project Contact, University of Warwick
Project Contact, Building Research Establishment (BRE) Limited

Tackling climate change, providing energy security and delivering sustainable energy solutions are major challenges faced by civil society. The social, environmental and economic cost of these challenges means that it is vital that there is a research focus on improving the conversion and use of thermal energy. A great deal of research and development is continuing to take place to reduce energy consumption and deliver cost-effective solutions aimed at helping the UK achieve its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050. Improved thermal energy performance impacts on industry through reduced energy costs, reduced emissions, and enhanced energy security. Improving efficiency and reducing emissions is necessary to increase productivity, support growth in the economy and maintain a globally competitive manufacturing sector.In the UK, residential and commercial buildings are responsible for approximately 40% of the UK's total non-transport energy use, with space heating and hot water accounting for almost 80% of residential and 60% of commercial energy use. Thermal energy demand has continued to increase over the past 40 years, even though home thermal energy efficiency has been improving. Improved thermal energy conversion and utilisation results in reduced emissions, reduced costs for industrial and domestic consumers and supports a more stable energy security position. In the UK, thermal energy (heating and cooling) is the largest use of energy in our society and cooling demand set to increase as a result of climate change. The need to address the thermal energy challenge at a multi-disciplinary level is essential and consequently this newly established network will support the technical, social, economic and environmental challenges, and the potential solutions. It is crucial to take account of the current and future economic, social, environmental and legislative barriers and incentives associated with thermal energy. The Thermal Energy Challenge Network will support synergistic approaches which offer opportunities for improved sustainable use of thermal energy which has previously been largely neglected. This approach can result in substantial energy demand reductions but collaboration and networking is essential if this is to be achieved. A combination of technological solutions working in a multi-disciplinary manner with engineers, physical scientists, and social scientists is essential and this will be encouraged and supported by the Thermal Energy Challenge Network

18/08/21