Clean energy research and development (R&D)

We make a significant contribution to addressing the global climate crisis and supporting the UK's transition to Net Zero. Our clean energy R&D is helping to build a greener, more sustainable future, creating jobs and driving economic growth in Sheffield and beyond.

At Sheffield, we're specialists in clean energy R&D

Our clean energy innovation and research expertise will enable us to make a significant contribution to addressing the global climate crisis and supporting the transition to low-carbon energy.

Focusing on R&D in four key areas allows us to support the UK’s ambitions for both a greener, more sustainable future and for increased wealth creation and economic growth.

Opportunities in nuclear, hydrogen, sustainable fuels and carbon capture and storage could lead to increased investment, jobs and facilities for South Yorkshire, which has a growing reputation as the best place for the development and delivery of clean energy technology in the UK.”

Professor Sue Hartley, Vice-President for Research and Innovation

Our clean energy priorities

At the heart of our clean energy R&D are four priority areas:

  • Nuclear manufacturing
  • Hydrogen research and innovation
  • Sustainable aviation fuels
  • Carbon capture and storage

These areas have been chosen to build on our areas of academic strength and expertise.

They also allow us to develop industrial partnerships, to attract inward investment to the region and deliver opportunities for economic growth in South Yorkshire.

Our areas of focus

Rolls-Royce SMR

Nuclear manufacturing

We have unrivalled expertise in developing cutting-edge manufacturing techniques. In collaboration with industry partners, we're developing small modular reactors - a clean energy source that's easier to scale and more affordable than building larger nuclear power plants.

Our pioneering nuclear manufacturing research

Hydrogen tank outside

Hydrogen research and innovation

We're home to some of the best pilot-scale testing facilities in the UK, enabling us to rapidly transform hydrogen research into market-ready solutions. We are helping to decarbonise heavy industry and developing hydrogen fuels for sustainable aviation.

How we're advancing hydrogen R&D

a large white jet plane, with the engine in the foreground. The engine has the world '100% SAF powering sustainable flight' written on it

Sustainable Aviation Fuels

Our new Sustainable Aviation Fuels Innovation Centre (SAF-IC) helps make vital jet travel more sustainable for the industry and our planet. We are the only UK hub where partners can develop, test, validate and certify new zero-carbon and sustainable aviation fuels – all in one place.

How we're making aviation more sustainable

A carbon capture plant with grass in the foreground

Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS)

Our CCUS research and innovation aims to reduce and even eliminate carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel power plants and heavy industry. Our facilities enable industrial and academic partners to develop, demonstrate and test low-carbon energy technology solutions.

Decarbonising industry with carbon capture

Working with our partners

The AMRC's Factory 2050 building as seen from the air
The University of Sheffield AMRC is a partner in the CDT. Seen here is its Factory 2050 facility - a hugely successful advanced manufacturing research centre that has set the standard for academic and industry R&D.

Rolls-Royce SMR partners with University of Sheffield in new manufacturing and testing facility

The Rolls-Royce SMR Module Development Facility (MDF), which will be housed in the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre’s existing Factory 2050, is set to manufacture and test prototype modules for small modular reactors (SMRs).

Read the news story

Virgin Atlantic plane

World-first transatlantic flight using sustainable aviation fuel takes off

With the help of engineers from the University of Sheffield, Flight100 by Virgin Atlantic marks a major milestone in the development of sustainable aviation fuels, as the first commercial airline to use SAF to fly across the Atlantic.

Read the news story

Discover more

University of Sheffield Innovation District

The University of Sheffield Innovation District is home to specialist translational R&D centres developing solutions to the most pressing challenges in clean energy:

Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC)

Translational Energy Research Centre (TERC)

Sustainable Aviation Fuels-Innovation Centre (SAF-IC)

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Contact 

Speak to our External Relations team if you'd like to know more about our work in clean energy R&D.

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