About us

Centre Director

Professor Alona Armstrong

Professor in Energy & Environmental Studies

Energy and Environment, Energy Lancaster, Pentland Centre, Soil Plant and Land Systems

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Professor Alona Armstrong

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Energy Lancaster
Science & Technology Building
Lancaster University
Lancaster
LA1 4YF

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+44 (0)1524 510229

News

Image of the group involved in the event - 22 people in total with the front 7 people sitting on chairs and the others standing, posing for the photo.

Successful Global Collaboration Event for developing a secure and sustainable future

Event brings Lancaster researchers together with two of our international partner campuses for research-focused event
Faculty of Science and Technology banned with Executive Dean Professor Pete Atkinson and seven PhD winners of awards at the Celebration of Science.

Celebration of Science is a Big Success in its 20th Year

The Faculty of Science and Technology’s Celebration of Science 2025: Discovery for a Changing World has taken place. This is the 20th year that an event has been run, showcasing research across the Faculty.
Man holding a green battery cell with computers in the background and a monitor with text and numbers

Discovering battery health information before the battery fails

Research undertaken within Lancaster’s Physics Department has given new insights into battery health, allowing users to track changes in performance whilst the battery is in use.
Solar farm in a green field

Research sheds light on solar park eco-impacts – but clever design and management may offer solutions

A study by Lancaster University examined 32 UK solar farms, revealing reduced plant growth and lower soil carbon beneath solar panels compared to areas away from panels. Researchers suggest raising panel height, widening gaps, and planting shade-tolerant vegetation to mitigate impacts on the soil. Still, these adaptations should be contextualised with the consequences for total land use and carbon embodied in the infrastructure.
Sheep grazing in a field with solar panels

Appropriate Management of Solar Farms Can Boost Soil Carbon Levels

Solar farms are more than renewable energy sources; they can restore soil health and capture atmospheric carbon. A Lancaster University study highlights the benefit of practices like planting diverse wildflowers, moderate grazing, and organic fertilisation to boost soil carbon storage. Despite challenges, managed grasslands on solar farms could offer long-term ecological and climate benefits if suitably managed and monitored.
Solar panel farm with wind turbines and yellow flowers and butterflies in the foreground

Publication of Report into Nature Positive Investment Opportunities through Solar Parks

The publication of an industry-leading research report on nature-positive investment opportunities in the solar energy sector has been released in collaboration with Lancaster University.

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Events

28th Jul

Language, Speech, and AI: A Forensics Summer School

Monday 28 July 2025, 12:00pm to Wednesday 30 July 2025, 1:30pm

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