Energy and sustainability
Our research is dedicated to the development and optimisation of low-carbon technologies and systemic solutions to meet global net-zero targets. We integrate material science, process engineering, and computational modelling to enhance energy efficiency, security, and environmental compatibility.
Our research expertise
- Renewable energy generation and storage
Focussing on the development and optimisation of technologies for generating energy from renewable sources (e.g., solar, wind, tidal) and innovations in energy storage systems (e.g., batteries, thermal storage, pumped hydro) to ensure a stable and efficient energy supply.
Key academic staff:
- Sustainable fuels
We are conducting research into alternative, low-carbon fuels that can replace fossil fuels. This includes the development of biofuels, hydrogen production (e.g., electrolysis, reforming), and associated storage and distribution systems, with a focus on scalability, lifecycle emissions, and system integration.
Key academic staff:
- Nuclear
Our research into nuclear energy as a low-carbon energy source encompasses both conventional nuclear fission and emerging fusion technologies, with interests ranging from reactor design and safety to materials development and waste management.
Key academic staff:
- Energy systems
Our research addresses the systems-level integration of energy technologies. It includes modelling and optimisation of energy supply and demand, smart grids, digital twins, energy economics, policy, as well as safety and resilience in energy networks under future climate and usage scenarios.
Key academic staff:
- Sustainable carbon technologies
We explore technologies that manage carbon in sustainable ways, including carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), direct air capture, low-carbon manufacturing processes, and innovations that convert carbon waste into valuable products or fuels.
Key academic staff
Research centres and institutes
Sheffield's cross-faculty research centres harness the University's wealth of interdisciplinary expertise and research excellence to solve the world's most pressing challenges. Our researchers are aligned with the following:
Interdisciplinary research
Partnerships
EDF Energy. The University of Sheffield has become an integral part of EDF UK’s innovation strategy and talent pipeline as their mutually beneficial partnership continues to go from strength to strength.
Impact
Our researchers are making life-changing discoveries, developing new innovations and technologies and solving the world’s complex challenges. Working collaboratively with partners locally and globally, we are working at the frontiers of knowledge on research with real impact.
Decarbonising aviation is a major challenge. Discover how Professor Meihong Wang’s team are using fields of mirrors to harness sunlight and capture CO₂, powering the future of net-zero flight. | 
|
| Reducing our reliance on fossil fuelsThe need to reduce our over reliance on fossil fuels as an energy source is a pressing challenge, driven by the need to mitigate the environmental damage already sustained. Research at Sheffield is looking at alternative energy sources and how we can produce them efficiently and at scale.
|
Unlocking a new era of clean energyResearch at Sheffield, and in collaboration with UKAEA, is looking at how fusion technologies can be utilised to unlock a new era of clean energy production, free from harmful emissions and radioactive waste. | 
|
| Nuclear waste immobilisationWith new nuclear power stations being planned there is a pressing need to design and maintain long term storage facilities. Research at Sheffield is addressing this challenge by improving and developing alternative materials for storing radioactive waste. These materials, including ceramics, glass and cement, aim to offer improved durability for waste immobilisation. |
