Research

INTRODUCTION

One of the Joule Centre’s major objectives is to create an internationally leading energy research centre in the Northwest by increasing the profile and Research & Development capacity and activities in key areas of new sustainable energy technologies and energy systems.

As part of our commitment to providing a focal point for these activities in the Northwest, we have awarded research grants to academics throughout the region. The grants provide financial support to research organisations within the Northwest of England for specific research projects in the engineering and physical sciences, social sciences and biological sciences. The research funded by the Joule Centre for Energy Research is supported through managed programmes.

It is envisaged that the grants will act as a catalyst for continued progress and investment in sustainable energy research technology and development in the Northwest, whilst also making a valuable contribution to increasing knowledge in the wider community of energy sustainability and the environment.

In total the Joule Centre has awarded 38 research grants worth approximately £3.2m awarded to academics across the North West. Proposals for these grants were invited in five seperate calls, each with varying themes.

RESEARCH PROPOSALS - 4th and 5th Calls

The 4th and 5th Calls for research proposals were for Seed Corn Grants. Proposals fitted into the framework proposed by the Energy Technology Institute.

Further information on the 4th call and 5th call projects

RESEARCH PROPOSALS - 3rd Call

The subject of the 3rd Call for research proposals was Energy Supply Technologies. Proposals fitted into the framework proposed by the Energy Technology Institute:

Theme 1: Large Scale Energy Supply Technologies
Objective: To develop technologies to improve efficiency of power generation and to develop sustainable approaches to reducing emissions from existing fossil fuel technologies.

Theme 2: Energy Security of Supply
Objective: To develop a mix of energy technologies (excluding nuclear) to increase security and diversity of supply, consistent with helping to deliver the UK’s energy goals.

Theme 5: Small Scale Energy Supply Technologies
Objective: To develop new and emerging distributed energy supply options using smaller scale technologies that utilise locally available energy sources.

"Seed Corn" Grants
Applications have also been received for "Seed Corn" Grants. These are for research on any aspect of energy and may last for up to one year with a maximum budget per grant is £50,000.

Further information on the Energy Suppy Technologies projects

RESEARCH PROPOSALS - 2nd Call

The Subject of the 2nd Call was "Demand Reduction”. Proposals address any aspect of technical energy demand reduction in the industrial and built environment.

Further information on the Demand Reduction projects

RESEARCH PROPOSALS - 1st Call

The Subject of the 1st Call was “Marine Energy and Wet Renewable Technologies”. Proposals address wave, tidal, tidal barrage and other Marine Energy and Wet Renewable Technologies.

Further information on the Wet Renewables projects