Energy & Environment
Many science and engineering challenges in the 21st century are shaped by ongoing climate, energy and water crises. At the University of Glasgow we are developing diverse responses and solutions, undertaking fundamental analysis and delivering new, multi-faceted conceptual and technological understandings directed at the interrogation of carbon and decarbonised energy futures, social inclusiveness, and a less stressed environment.
We are harnessing the most up-to-date theoretical and experimental advances in molecular microbiology, nanomaterials, theoretical evolutionary biology, statistics,flow imaging technologies, novel chemical and isotopic analysis and bioinformatics to devise new energy-saving ways of delivering clean water, treating dirty water and remediating contaminated environment.
We are improving the efficiency of energy conversion technologies, addressing both the development and deployment of renewables and the most responsible use of fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Our research is rooted in partnerships with industry and civil society, whilst drawing on the most rigorous scientific approaches, the most powerful numerical tools and the latest new materials, and is at the forefront of experimental research methodologies that cut across the physical and social sciences. Our research impacts on energy security, conversion, generation, storage and efficiency, from civil nuclear to power electronics. Beyond our planet, our research reaches out to unravel the history of water and potential life in our solar system. Our research spans large spatial and temporal scales -- from molecules to oceans; from nanoseconds to millennia – always with an eye to future well-being.nments. We undertake fundamental and innovative research into atmospheric, terrestrial and marine carbon enabling us to unpick the drivers of climate change, to understand how the Earth system responds, and to work with diverse stakeholders on the problematics of climate change, historically and prospectively.
Related Research
How do you see our future cities? You can find out more about one potential vision here
Key Projects
Silicon Compatible GaN Power Electronics: http://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/engineering/staff/iainthayne/
Power electronics are seldom seen, yet our daily lives would be very different without them. Power electronics are crucial to improving the battery life of a mobile phone & to maximising the efficiency of high-voltage transmission lines. They are found in railways & hybrid cars, in TVs & energy efficient lighting. Although not perhaps obvious, power electronics are vital to meeting the CO2 reduction targets set by Government. The use of these technologies in the control of electrical machines in factories is predicted to save up to 9% of total electrical energy consumption in the UK.
This EPSRC programme grant led by Professor Iain Thayne, in collaboration with the Universities of Nottingham, Bristol, Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool and Cambridge predicts a 50% improvement in energy efficiency over current silicon devices, transistors produced from gallium nitride (the same semiconductor material used in low energy LEDs) have the potential to revolutionise power electronics. By working together the research teams will develop & prototype highly efficient, gallium nitride power electronics devices with world-leading performance. Critically, routes to manufacture in a silicon wafer fabrication facility will be developed.
Research Flyers
Aerospace Science & Engineering
Find out more about the University of Glasgow's Aerospace Science & Engineering research.
Our Aerospace Facilities are some of the best in the country.