Press releases
Energy
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Loughborough water engineering experts awarded more than £287k for projects that support COP26 adaptation and resilience priorities
Loughborough University academics from the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering (ABCE) have been awarded more than £278,000 for projects that seek to address key environmental research challenges relevant to the COP26 Adaptation and Resilience theme.
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New project to develop anti-soiling coating for solar modules to increase power output and help the UK achieve its net zero goals
Solar experts from Loughborough University have been awarded funding to create a durable and scalable anti-soiling coating for solar modules.
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COP26 explainer: The importance of solar energy and its incredible growth story
Accelerating the transition from coal to clean power is a key focus of this year’s COP26.
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Inspired by COP26? Here's how you can live more sustainably at home
COP26 has prompted many of us to think about how our actions impact the planet and what positive changes we can make to reduce our carbon footprint.
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COP26 EXPLAINER: How a circular economy in the chemical industry can help reach global carbon targets
As part of COP26, countries are being asked to come forward with ambitious 2030 emissions reductions targets that align with reaching net zero by the middle of the century.
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What would 4°C of global warming feel like?
COP26 is underway and keeping 1.5°C within reach will feature prominently in world leaders’ discussions.
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COP26: a four-minute guide by a climate scientist
COP26, which is taking place in Glasgow, is the latest in a series of meetings through which the world’s governments attempt to deal with climate change.
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COP26 EXPLAINER: Biomass: what is it, why cooking with it is an issue, and what Loughborough is doing to develop and promote alternatives
A rapid and just transition to clean energy across the globe will dominate discussions at COP26 as it is crucial to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement for avoiding dangerous climate change and limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
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What is COP26 and why should I care about it?
This November, the UK is hosting COP26 in Glasgow – but what actually is COP26 and why should we care about it?
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Ultrasound at the nanometre scale reveals the nature of force
Researchers have developed a new method to measure force and atomic bonds at the nanoscale that reveals that the speed of sound depends on the structure it is travelling through.
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Missing piece in solar panel puzzle solved by Loughborough scientists – and it could lead to more efficient technology
Silicon-based solar modules dominate the current market. However, they are expensive and have a high carbon footprint.
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What electric vehicle manufacturers can learn from China – their biggest market
Despite the pandemic, global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) increased by 43% in 2020. Total EV sales in China were 1.3 million, an increase of 8% compared to 2019, and 41% of all EVs sold worldwide. Though Europe sold more than China for the first time since 2015, China is still the world’s biggest national market for EVs.
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Loughborough receives UKRI funding to develop the next generation of batteries
Loughborough University, as part of a consortium led by Lucideon, and partner KWSP, has received funding from UKRI's Faraday battery challenge fund to assess two technologies to manufacture components for solid-state batteries.
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New AI system predicts building energy rates in less than a second
At a time when the UK is trying to reach net zero by 2050, the timely, accurate calculation of energy efficiency is a vital component of the design process for new and refurbished buildings.
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Loughborough-led project to help guide national rollout of Electric Vehicle chargepoints
A new Loughborough University-led study will be examining the use of existing Electric Vehicle (EV) chargepoint networks to help guide their widespread introduction across the UK.
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Researchers probe electricity grid resilience using advanced batteries
A new research partnership will show how advanced lead batteries can support electricity grid energy storage and plug-in to more renewable and other storage requirements for low carbon energy systems.
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Ghana’s electricity supply mix has improved, but reliability and cost is still a challenge
Ghana has made significant progress over the past 10 years in increasing electricity generation and access.
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Loughborough researchers to help develop next-generation drone technology for intelligent solar plant inspections
Loughborough University researchers are to help develop cutting edge drone robotics for autonomous, fast, ultra-high-resolution solar plant inspections as part of a new collaborative project funded by Innovate UK.
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Sustainable energy expert appointed Chair of UN group dedicated to increasing solar energy uptake
An academic in Loughborough University’s School of Social Sciences and Humanities has been appointed to a United Nations role that will allow her to continue pushing for solar energy uptake.
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Clean energy cooking in refugee camps should be prioritised on the humanitarian agenda, new briefing note argues
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 79.5 million people were forcibly displaced in the world at the end of 2019, and over the course of 2020, that number has soared beyond 80 million*.
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New AI tool, developed by Loughborough experts, 85% accurate for recognising and classifying wind turbine blade defects
Demand for wind power has grown, and with it the need to inspect turbine blades and identify defects that may impact operation efficiency.
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International initiative aimed at reducing the use of biomass for cooking awards £826,000 to 14 new projects
More than £800,000 has been awarded to 14 innovative projects around the globe which aim to reduce the reliance of cooking with charcoal, wood and other biomass fuels.
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Nearly half the world’s population still lacks access to modern energy cooking services – new report
Four billion people around the world still lack access to clean, efficient, convenient, safe, reliable, and affordable cooking energy, according to a new report.
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Are plug-in hybrid cars worse for environment than factory tests suggest? It depends how you drive them
Currently accounting for 3% of new car sales, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are sold as low-carbon alternatives to fossil fuel and conventional hybrid cars.
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New research reveals smart homes can flatten peak demand
Incisive new research undertaken by Loughborough University in partnership with the Solar Trade Association (STA) and Advance Further Energy reveals significant positive impacts of smart energy technologies in the home, including carbon reductions, energy bill savings, and improved system resilience.
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New study reveals water-filled windows could make a huge splash when it comes to saving energy and reducing global carbon emissions
Most everyone knows that heating and cooling buildings is not only expensive, but a massive issue due to the resulting carbon emissions.
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The future of free, portable energy: Wearable technology that powers your devices as you move
Small, flexible generators which convert movement into electricity could soon be the future of free and unlimited energy thanks to a breakthrough in energy harvesting technology.
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Global warming now pushing heat into territory humans cannot tolerate
The explosive growth and success of human society over the past 10,000 years has been underpinned by a distinct range of climate conditions.
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Coronavirus is a once in a lifetime chance to reshape how we travel
The transport sector has been impacted as much as any by the coronavirus. This isn’t a normal period of disruption, which is usually caused by failures in supply such as road accidents or industrial action. In this case it is the lack of demand that is the problem.
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Four things the UK government must do to phase out petrol, diesel and hybrid cars by 2035
The UK government recently pledged to bring forward a ban on new diesel and petrol car sales from 2040, to 2035.
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Are self-driving cars safe? Expert on how we will drive in the future
Cars are changing – fast. But are innovations such as autonomous and flying cars a bright new dawn, or just a wild pipe dream? And if they become the future’s way of getting from A to B, can we trust them to take us there safely? Here are five key questions answered by Loughborough University's Professor Andrew Morris, an expert in Human Factors in Transport Safety.
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Video Q&A: We asked an expert panel your questions on the future of transport
What will our cars look like if they become fully autonomous? What’s the likelihood of vehicle-to-grid being successful? Will flying cars be safe? Or will they present new dangers?
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Virtual engine test simulator is transforming China's fledgling hydrogen car industry
Scientists have created a computer simulation program which allows car manufacturers in China to virtually test hydrogen fuel cell engines instead of building expensive prototypes.
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Academics to help design electric vehicle specific to the Indian market in a bid to improve the country’s uptake of clean transport tech
Loughborough University academics have been awarded funding to help with the design and development of a four-wheeled electric vehicle for research, teaching and outreach in India.
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SUSTAINABLE HOME: "Let’s make energy waste at home as socially unacceptable as single-use plastic"
“We need to start thinking about energy the way we think about waste – just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean we should just throw it away carelessly.”
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SUSTAINABLE HOME: Experts share top tips for being more environmentally friendly this Christmas in new video series
FIVE Loughborough experts are sharing their tips and tricks for making your home more sustainable this Christmas as part of a new video series.
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Mobile phones can help cities be more energy efficient, study suggests
Mobile phone data could be used to make urban buildings more energy efficient, a new research paper has found.
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Experts examine how technology is being used to improve food manufacturing and outline the next steps for the industry
From using satellites to track asparagus crops, to measuring the lean meat percentage of pork using a high-tech camera, companies across the food manufacturing supply chain are embracing emerging technologies in new and interesting ways.
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Electric planes are here – but they won’t solve flying’s CO2 problem
The UK government plans to ban the sale of new conventional petrol and diesel cars by 2040. Clearly the plan is for all citizens to be driving electric or hybrid-electric cars, or – better still – riding bicycles.
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United Nations launches new standards that could spur investment in solar energy, thanks to Loughborough academic and expert group
Solar energy investments across the globe could be set to soar thanks to the launch of new United Nations specifications a Loughborough University researcher helped construct.
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Academics part of £39m Ford project that looks to bring the next generation of electrified vehicles to the market faster
Loughborough University is working on a collaborative industry research project to develop digital engineering tools that will help bring the next generation of electrified commercial vehicles to the market much faster.
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Future Transport Campaign: University launches new drive to promote game-changing research and innovations
Loughborough University is celebrating the academics and projects that look to revolutionise vehicles and the way we travel as part of a two-month initiative focussed on the future of transport.
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Loughborough expert contributes to new paper launched at House of Lords that champions UK solar expertise
A Loughborough University expert has contributed to a new report that champions the role of solar in the UK energy system and the extensive expertise and innovation in UK companies and academia.
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How a future with zero net emissions might look for Britain...
With the Government’s announcement that Britain will make zero net emission law by 2050, experts from a diverse assortment of academic backgrounds have given their views on how they think that might work.
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Video Q&A: We asked an expert your burning climate change questions
Every wondered where polar bears will live if all the ice melts? Or what is the most impactful policy parliament could pass to combat climate change? Or maybe you’ve thought ‘why is the UK so worried about what’s happening in the Arctic’?
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Recycling which defies the laws of physics: Why pyrolysis is not the answer
Pyrolysis of waste is a multi-million-pound concept which claims to be a sustainable solution to reusing domestic refuse by transforming organic matter into valuable biofuel.
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Student helps solve scientific puzzle that could improve solar panel efficiency and increase their usage around the world
A Loughborough University PhD student has helped shed light on a solar panel puzzle that could lead to more efficient devices being developed.
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£1.6m grant to improve building façade technologies for better energy efficiency
A project to create new technologies to improve the energy efficiency of buildings is set to get underway as a group of researchers from Loughborough University, the University of Nottingham and University of Exeter have been awarded a £1.65m grant from the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council).
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Environment Campaign: University launches new drive to promote game-changing environmental research and innovations
Loughborough University is celebrating the academics and projects which tackle some of the most challenging areas of climate change, ecology, sustainability, technology and renewable energy as part of a two-month initiative to highlight environmental research.
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Loughborough University leads a UK aid programme to tackle climate change
Loughborough University and the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme (ESMAP) joined forces in leading a UK aid research project to find innovative, clean and modern alternatives to biomass fuels, such as charcoal and wood.
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Academics to help develop building materials that generate power as part of £36m government-funded project
Three Loughborough University academics have received research funding as part of a £36m project that looks to accelerate market adoption of new solar-powered building design.
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New £1m solar research network will be led by Loughborough University
Loughborough University will lead a new national solar energy research network aimed at advancing expertise and knowledge of solar technology to boost the renewable energy industry.
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Loughborough University: Proud partner of a £276 million national infrastructure improvement programme, launched today
Loughborough University is part of a multi-million infrastructure research programme which has been officially launched in London today.
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World-first technology reduces harmful diesel emissions
An industry-first technology developed by Loughborough University has the potential to significantly cut nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in diesel engines.
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Overheating in UK homes is a public health disaster waiting to happen
A Loughborough academic has warned the UK is facing a public health disaster if the issue of overheating in homes is not tackled.
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Tesco goes greener and significantly cuts its energy bill thanks to study by Loughborough University
Academics at Loughborough University have helped Tesco reduce its carbon footprint and save on its energy bill by proposing alterations to the working practices of its store staff.
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New water meter app could save 20% on household bills and help tackle global water crisis
A new smartphone and tablet app which monitors home water usage is being created at Loughborough University as part of Europe-wide initiative motivated by global water shortages.
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Researchers on energy systems are invited to attend free training workshop in India
Loughborough University is inviting researchers to attend a two-week training workshop in India on the development of energy self-sufficient communities.
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Student aims to solve global warming by riding his bike
Sports Technology student Joe Porter has received a £10,000 grant for his idea, PowerRide, which aims to stem global warming.
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Generating fuel for life – Loughborough shares renewable energy expertise with India
Loughborough University engineering experts are helping to improve lives in India by sharing essential knowledge of how to turn waste into clean energy.
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PhD graduate encourages us to grow, connect and share with new venture
Loughborough Design School graduate, Dr Rose Deakin is on a mission to reconnect communities through the joy of growing with her new venture, The Crop Club.