Past events

Does high consumption make us happier? As much as we like it not to be true, electricity consumption correlates positively with enjoyment. This is a problem for all who wish we used less. This week we will explore how *valuable* energy is to people, rather than just how costly it is. High resolution data from hundreds of UK households can shine [...]

Changes to energy use are critical to addressing threats to planetary boundaries, especially climate change. Recent cost changes make a combination of energy efficiency and renewable energy the most plausible solution. Their deployment requires a paradigm shift in energy markets and policy, with public policy support at scales from local to global Speaker Nick Eyre is Professor of Energy and Climate Policy [...]

Bill David, ISIS, Ammonia – the quintessetial non-carbon hydrocarbon Geoff Gilley, Technology – Power where the sun doesn’t shine Tristan Davenne, Technology – Pumped termal energy storage

Abstract to follow

Momentum within the current energy system is towards decentralisation, decarbonisation and digitalisation (D3) and this requires a more flexible system operation. Together this is having an impact on market design, network regulation, regulatory mechanisms (ie a move to more performance based outcomes), business models, retail offerings and customer propositions. Whereas in the conventional energy system the links between, for example, [...]

Modelling studies suggest that COP21 targets can be met with global gas demand peaking in the 2030s and declining slowly thereafter. This would qualify gas to be considered a `transition fuel’ to a low carbon economy. However, such an outcome is by no means a foregone conclusion, particularly in Europe where decline may be more rapid post-2030. There are limited [...]

Direct air capture of CO2 — what’s it got to do with energy policy? Everything, really — and this is a problem, because most people who think about energy policy see air-capture as a futuristic and largely hypothetical distraction. But the cumulative impact of carbon dioxide emissions means there is a high chance that much of the CO2 generated by fossil [...]

Chemical energy storage and how it differs from other forms of energy storage will be discussed.  We will consider the fundamental requirements of a chemical energy store system in order to select possible chemical solutions.  Energy densities will be compared to other forms of energy storage for context.  Material and energy balances for overall chemical energy storage processes will be [...]

By providing a range of different models with specific characteristics the BMW Group e-fleet meets the requirements on urban and long-distance mobility, ecological compatibility and regulatory provisions while keeping the joy of driving that is typical for a BMW. In this way the BMW Group asserts its leadership in terms of innovative developments and high-performance products. In order to continue [...]

This combined presentation will be given by two independent group leaders from the University of Oxford who have been working collaboratively to address the development of ‘green’ ammonia synthesis [1]. First, Rene Banares-Alcantara (DoES) will set the scene by presenting intermittency as the main challenge in the integration of renewable energy (RE) to the grid, and how energys torage (ES) systems [...]