Oxford to launch multi-disciplinary ZERO Institute

Bringing together academics from a range of disciplines, the ZERO Institute will work to address questions surrounding zero-carbon energy systems and their implementation.

Currently, more than 70 per cent of the greenhouse gases responsible for climate change come from converting and using energy. Many potential components of a zero-carbon energy system, such as demand reduction, renewable energy conversion, energy storage and nuclear power, have been researched over many decades.

However, the concept of a zero-carbon system without fossil fuels has only really gained traction with policymakers since the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015.

“International and national assessments agree that practical solutions to the climate crisis will involve increased use of renewable energy sources, storing the energy effectively, and using it efficiently,” said Professor Patrick Grant, Oxford pro-vice chancellor (research).

“Only by doing this can we supply everyone in the world with the energy services needed to live well and to stop climate change. The university is rising to the challenge of zero-carbon energy systems by investing in the ZERO Institute to help coordinate and increase the reach of our ever growing zero-carbon energy research.”