Universities tackle energy issues

Leeds University and China’s Zhejiang University have announced a strategic alliance aimed at tackling some of today’s major global energy challenges.

Formed under the Worldwide Universities Network, the partnership will see both universities involved in joint international conferences, joint funding applications, exchange opportunities for research staff and post-graduate students, and activities with global industrial partners.

The alliance will operate under the name UoL-ZJU International Centre for Sustainable Energy Sciences and Technologies and will address issues such as carbon capture, sequestration, pollution control, clean coal utilisation and alternative fuels.

The two universities will also draw on their expertise in associated research areas in particle, environment and chemical engineering to develop environmentally-friendly technology in fuel and solar cells.

In addition to creating greater research and funding opportunities, the centre aims to promote the use of energy efficient technologies in society and industry.

Prof Mohammed Pourkashanian, at Leeds University’s Faculty of Engineering, said: ‘By coupling innovative engineering researchers with unparalleled research facilities, we are equipped to address engineering solutions to key global energy issues more quickly and effectively.’