Goal 7 - Clean and Affordable Energy
Ensure access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy
Research
Next generation batteries
Researchers and academics from our Departments of Chemistry and Physics and the Energy Lancaster research group are part of teams of researchers across the UK that will develop novel sodium-ion batteries as well as discover the next generation of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The project will facilitate improvements in batteries used for transport and energy grid storage to improve performance and bring down costs of products.
Tidal power
Researchers in Engineering are working with the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology to look at tidal power to meet the long-term energy needs of the UK. Tidal energy can be generated day and night, which could help make it cost-effective.
Teaching
Green energy
Our degree options run through The Lancaster Environment Centre, focus on teaching about global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, resource provision, and natural hazards. For example, our Environmental Science degree has a module on Energy and the Environment, that focuses on each of the key energy technologies, learning how to detail its importance, its forms and uses and its cost and environmental impact, whilst looking at future solutions to sustainable energy demands.
University Operations
Wind turbine
The wind turbine on our campus has generated between 4,000,000 and 5,000,000 kWh of electricity. Catering for around 14% of the University's electricity consumption each year, the wind turbine has produced enough electricity to power over 1200 homes for a year.
Solar Farm
Planning permission has been granted for a Solar Farm on University land, comprising of 36,000 individual panels that will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of more than 3000 homes and will reduce annual carbon emissions by more than 2600 tonnes of CO2.
Public Engagement
Inspiring the next generation
The wind turbine is a popular place for school visits to help inspire the next generation. Recently, a group of local primary school children from Dent in Cumbria, visited the wind turbine to help teach them about renewable energy and how it helps the planet. The University also runs frequent visits for staff and students throughout the year.