College of Science & Engineering

Speakers: 

Dr Alexey Ganin, School of Chemistry

‘Not Rivals but Partners: Green Hydrogen and Batteries in Decarbonised Energy Systems’

In this talk, I address the widespread perception of green hydrogen and batteries as competing technologies, and argue instead that they serve fundamentally different and complementary roles. Drawing on my research into battery systems, with a focus on alternatives to lithium-ion chemistries, I outline why batteries are superior for many energy applications. Their high efficiency and ability to piggyback on existing electrical infrastructure make them the preferred solution for short-duration storage, transport, and grid management. But batteries have a major feature (not a bug) and this is that you cannot create chemicals from them.

By contrast, the synthesis of essential products such as ammonia and methanol requires chemical feedstocks, making green hydrogen indispensable. Here, I draw on the experience of my research group in operating electrolysers, where our work has moved beyond simple hydrogen production towards broader chemical solutions. I conclude by arguing that small-scale, modular electrolyser systems that enable decentralised, on-demand chemical production, for example allowing farmers to produce fertilisers locally is something that provide a unique advantage to hydrogen.

 

Colin McInnes, James Watt School of Engineering

‘Historical energy transitions: lessons for the future’

Looking to the past we can see waves of energy technologies rise and fall. This talk will explore what we can learn from the past to understand and accelerate future energy transitions.

 

Bridgette Wessels, School of Social & Political Sciences and Jennifer Challinor, the Crichton Trust

‘Neighbourhoods of the Future: integrating social and environmental aspects of sustainable living’

This talk will introduce an innovative approach to designing sustainable neighbourhoods. 

 

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First published: 17 February 2026