Welcome to the latest edition of the Birmingham Energy Institute bi-monthly newsletter.
In this edition I am pleased to highlight, among a number of updates, the launch of the University of Birmingham’s cryogenic storage pilot facility which was officially opened by Secretary of State and Business, Sajid Javid MP. Business and University representatives from Brazil have also visited the Institute to explore future partnerships that could see Brazilian cities testing innovative technology to tackle energy storage challenges.
The second part of this newsletter highlights upcoming events in the Institute.
Finally, don’t forget to visit our blog for latest thought-provoking comment from academics and industry experts on the energy agenda, as well as the latest research news from the Institute. If you would like to contribute, please get in touch via energy@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
As ever, I look forward to receiving your thoughts, comments and opinions, but, most of all, your involvement.
Martin Freer, Director of the Birmingham Energy Institute
Energy research at Birmingham set to accelerate following £180m investment
Government funding of the Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) was approved in November 2015, which saw an investment of £60m from Government matched by £120m from industry.
The University of Birmingham will be investing in developing the T-ERA component and has funded eight new positions to grow its energy research. It will be developing 800 m^2 of laboratory and office space to accommodate the equipment linked to the new investment.
Sajid Javid MP opens University's cryogenic energy storage pilot facility
The Secretary of State for Business, Sajid Javid MP, officially opened the University of Birmingham’s cryogenic energy storage pilot facility, a technology using liquid air to store and provide power which could transform future energy systems.
The new facility, which is housed on the University of Birmingham’s campus, is the UK’s first dedicated research facility for energy storage. It uses cryogenic liquids, comprising new laboratories, equipment and a major demonstration plant.
Energy storage experts welcome Brazilian industry chiefs to Birmingham
Experts in energy storage research at the University of Birmingham welcomed representatives from businesses and universities across Brazil to explore future partnerships that could see Brazilian cities testing innovative technology.
Organised by the British Embassy in Brasilia, the visit was lined up because of the University’s research strength - especially its role in the Research Councils-funded Energy Storage Supergen Hub.
Birmingham partners with China State Grid to build a joint lab in novel energy storage technologies
The University of Birmingham has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Smart Grid Research Institute (SGRI) of State Grid Corporation of China to develop a joint laboratory in energy storage. The signing, witnessed by Mr Liu Zhenya, the Chairman of State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), marks the start of an important partnership between SGCC, the largest electric power transmission and distribution company in the world, and the University of Birmingham, a world leader in thermal energy storage technologies.
Nuclear decommissioning requires education and training to advance future talent, new report states
The decommissioning of nuclear facilities is growing worldwide, creating job opportunities at all educational levels. Nuclear decommissioning is the industrial process of dismantling and decontaminating nuclear facilities and site remediation, removing them from regulatory control. European industry has acquired knowledge and today, Europe can position itself as the top level in the world decommissioning market.
Birmingham strengthens its partnerships with China in civil nuclear energy studies
The University of Birmingham and the General Nuclear International Ltd (GNI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to forge a long-term partnership in the education, training and development of civil nuclear energy studies.
The MoU marks the start of an important partnership through which the University and GNI will work together closely to build a collaborative platform aspired to make long-term and significant contributions to the civil nuclear energy development in the UK and China.
The World Trade Network and the Environment
Dr Maria Jesus Herrerias, Lecturer in Energy Economics, University of Birmingham, examines the role of the world trade network on the environment and discusses her investigation into an innovative way of measuring the effect of international trade.
“In a growing, integrated and globalised international market, sustainable development and environmental protection arise as goals of the World Trade Organization (WTO), jointly with their objectives to reduce trade barriers and eliminate discrimination in international trade relations...”
The Climate Argument: should we panic and are we doomed, or what can we do?
Professor Richard Tuckett, Professor of Chemical Physics, University of Birmingham, discusses evidence surrounding the connection between Co2 concentrations and the temperature of the planet.
"The evidence that anthropogenic carbon emissions are contributing to the increasing temperature of the Earth grows stronger by the year. Whilst impossible to prove, it is suggested that the correlation between CO2 concentrations and the temperature of the planet is as strong as it ever can be. Therefore, actions both by individuals and governments around the world are needed now to protect everyone against the rising temperatures that are almost inevitable…"
Birmingham Energy Institute welcomes Professor Paul Ekins
Thursday 17 March, 4pm– 5:30pm
Birmingham Business School, University House, G13
The Birmingham Energy Institute is delighted to invite you to attend a lecture by Professor Paul Ekins, Professor of Energy and Environmental Policy and Director of the UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources at the University College London. Delivering the latest event in our Energy Lecture Series, Professor Paul Ekins will discuss global energy challenges, technologies and policies that will be necessary to reduce carbon emissions.
To attend, please register online