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Shaping government policy on renewable energy feed-in tariffs

Summary of the impact

Dr David Toke's research at the University of Birmingham has contributed to policy made by governments in the UK and EU, and the work and policy of environmentally concerned NGOs. Renewable Energy is a crucial aspect of EU and UK sustainable energy strategies and feed-in tariffs have now become the preferred method of incentivising renewable energy in the UK. Toke made a major contribution to generating this change through his proactive dissemination of research on feed-in tariffs and the publication of a key public policy report, at a time when little was known about this type of policy instrument.

His research has stimulated debate among industry professionals and events organised by him have provided a forum where the industry and NGOs can develop an evidence-based dialogue. Through using popular media to disseminate his research findings, Toke has provided a source for greater public understanding of the related issues, and in particular has challenged the decisions of government. In a broader sense, his research has contributed to improving governmental and financial support for renewable energies in the UK and thus environmental sustainability.

Submitting Institution

University of Birmingham

Unit of Assessment

Politics and International Studies

Summary Impact Type

Political

Research Subject Area(s)

Economics: Applied Economics

Sustainable energy research applications and solutions

Summary of the impact

This case study describes interdisciplinary impacts developed from research of the Sustainable Energy theme. They examine conversion of energy from alternative sources; from power generation using pyrolysis or biomass burners to energy harvesting of waste heat from electronic components. In all cases the aim is clear: to develop systems that make sustainable energy production a reality. This has important impacts in advancing efficiency and reliability in renewable energy technologies. Importantly, through a number of externally funded projects, this group's members have directly influenced local, national and international companies and governmental bodies. In some cases influencing decisions and having direct impact on efficiency, value from investment and even on balance sheets. In summary, they have conducted numerous energy audits, produced a minimum of 6 best practice case studies, influenced the renewable strategies of at least 52 countries, regions or industries and are recognised as the centre for biomass fuel quality assessment.

Submitting Institution

Staffordshire University

Unit of Assessment

General Engineering

Summary Impact Type

Environmental

Research Subject Area(s)

Engineering: Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Interdisciplinary Engineering

Creating Good Practice in Renewable Wind Energy Policy for a Low Carbon Economy

Summary of the impact

This case study describes the policy impact of research on the deployment of renewable energy in Ireland, the UK and internationally. Three key policy impacts are highlighted;

1) The research has shaped policies underpinning the Republic of Ireland's aim to become a net energy exporter by 2030 and influenced other stakeholders in this field;

2) It has influenced good practice recommended globally by the International Energy Agency on the social acceptance of wind energy;

3) It has generated evidence on the performance of the UK's devolved administrations on renewable energy, which has been deployed in constitutional debates over Scottish Independence.

Submitting Institution

Queen's University Belfast

Unit of Assessment

Architecture, Built Environment and Planning

Summary Impact Type

Environmental

Research Subject Area(s)

Studies In Human Society: Policy and Administration, Sociology

Good Vibrations: Advancing the Cause of Energy Harvesting

Summary of the impact

The University of Southampton's pioneering research into energy harvesting has produced proven economic impacts together with impacts on public policy and international standards. Perpetuum, a spin-out from Southampton employing 10 people locally, has attracted £9.6 million in venture capital and developed the world's leading vibration energy harvester. Perpetuum's harvesters are enabling the deployment of zero maintenance, battery-free wireless systems in the rail industry where the technology has revolutionised bearing monitoring. This has enabled, for the first time, real-time monitoring of rolling stock, leading to cost savings, improved reliability, efficiency and safety. Their systems have been deployed on 200 trains across the UK (Southeastern) and Sweden (SJ AB). Southampton's research has driven wider industrial uptake of the technology and Perpetuum's is also the only energy harvester approved for use with the worlds leading suppliers of wireless condition monitoring equipment (GE Bentley Nevada, National Instruments and Emerson). Promotion of the technology has led to a £1.25 million TSB competition on energy harvesting and Southampton researchers are assisting in the development of international standards and increasing public awareness of the technology.

Submitting Institution

University of Southampton

Unit of Assessment

Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Metallurgy and Materials

Summary Impact Type

Economic

Research Subject Area(s)

Engineering: Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Materials Engineering
Technology: Communications Technologies

Driving innovation and transformation in global energy policy within and beyond government

Summary of the impact

Research undertaken on energy policy and sustainability by Prof. Mitchell and the Energy Policy Group (EPG) within Geography at Exeter, has had a major influence on the development and reform of UK, EU and global energy policy. This research has informed policy advice to the UK government on the fundamental re-setting of electricity market reforms and underpinned a number of major policy reports e.g., the 2008 `EU's Target for Renewable Energy' report; the 2010 `Future of Britain's Electricity Networks' report; the 2011 `Electricity Market Reform' report; the 2012 `Draft Energy Bill'; and the 2012 DECC Energy Security Strategy Report. Research by the EPG has also led to numerous engagements with key stakeholders in the energy industry that have influenced policies, procedures and practices, and been used to inform public debate on energy policy.

Submitting Institution

University of Exeter

Unit of Assessment

Geography, Environmental Studies and Archaeology

Summary Impact Type

Economic

Research Subject Area(s)

Economics: Applied Economics
Studies In Human Society: Policy and Administration

Shaping Energy Efficiency Policy - The Green Deal and Energy Saving Feed-in Tariffs

Summary of the impact

This research has demonstrated the shortcomings of recent changes to UK Government energy efficiency policy, and developed thinking about alternatives, in order to enable governments to provide an effective system of incentives for energy efficiency improvement. Such a system would allow energy sector decarbonisation at a lower cost than with supply side strategies alone. The analysis and concept have both had an impact. In the UK, the team of researchers have secured support from major environmental NGOs, have been included in a UK Government policy consultation, leading to the tabling of an amendment to the 2012 Energy Bill. Internationally, the team's research continues to influence leading policy analysts, including the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Submitting Institution

University of Oxford

Unit of Assessment

Geography, Environmental Studies and Archaeology

Summary Impact Type

Economic

Research Subject Area(s)

Built Environment and Design: Building
Economics: Applied Economics

4: Improving the effectiveness of alternative energy systems in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia

Summary of the impact

Since 2007, Edinburgh researchers have played an important role in increasing the use of local, context-specific knowledge in the assessment of technological sustainability and efficiency in the bioenergy and solar sectors in East Africa and South Asia. This has taken the following forms:

  • Supporting policy development through establishing multi-stakeholder bio-energy forums in Kenya, Tanzania and Sri Lanka.
  • Improving clean energy access to approximately 180,000 people in Kenya, India, Sri Lanka and Tanzania.
  • Informing practitioners through high-level advice to campaign groups and international organisations.
  • Taking leading roles in public debates about the political economy of energy innovation in the developing world.

Submitting Institution

University of Edinburgh

Unit of Assessment

Anthropology and Development Studies

Summary Impact Type

Environmental

Research Subject Area(s)

Chemical Sciences: Physical Chemistry (incl. Structural)
Engineering: Materials Engineering
Medical and Health Sciences: Public Health and Health Services

Intelligent Energy Management

Summary of the impact

Research at the University of Southampton, into the engineering of complex socio-technical systems, has underpinned new technologies in the area of intelligent energy management, and made Professors Nick Jennings and Alex Rogers trusted sources of advice for energy policymakers, key stakeholders and industrial researchers. The work has had an economic, environmental and societal impact: it has shaped R&D strategies of leading British companies like BAE Systems and Secure Meters; the launch of iPhone apps and websites have supplied private and industrial users with personalised data regarding their energy use, resulting in cost savings and reductions in carbon emissions; it has enabled charities to provide energy-saving advice to households directly; and has won an international technology showcase competition leading to a spinout and commercialisation of research.

Submitting Institution

University of Southampton

Unit of Assessment

Computer Science and Informatics

Summary Impact Type

Societal

Research Subject Area(s)

Information and Computing Sciences: Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing, Information Systems
Engineering: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Community Carbon Reduction

Summary of the impact

Roy Alexander's innovative research into climate change awareness and behaviour change has transformed the way the world looks at this issue.

It has enabled a Cheshire village to reduce its domestic carbon footprint by 20% and become an established model for communities across the globe. Dissemination of his research has reached around a billion people worldwide and stimulated the establishment of similar projects across the UK, and as far afield as Canada.

The award-winning initiative has influenced local and national government policy and attracted official visits from the Secretary of State for Defra, the Rural Advocate and Business in the Community.

Submitting Institution

University of Chester

Unit of Assessment

Geography, Environmental Studies and Archaeology

Summary Impact Type

Societal

Research Subject Area(s)

Earth Sciences: Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience
Studies In Human Society: Policy and Administration

Power and fuel from renewable sources, waste and residues

Summary of the impact

The impacts from over 20 years bioenergy research at Aston University, have been through influence and support for businesses to generate and use environmentally advantageous sources of power, fuels and chemicals. Pilot scale systems that exploit pyrolysis and gasification of biomass residues and renewable feed-stocks are operational. The EU, UK and local governments have developed policies with the Unit's advice on the potential of bioenergy for power generation and waste reduction. Technical and business advice have been provided, a new company formed, investments made in new business directions by SMEs and large multinational companies. This has generated new employment opportunities in consultancy, design and manufacture of systems, social and environmental benefits, along with greater public awareness.

Submitting Institution

Aston University

Unit of Assessment

General Engineering

Summary Impact Type

Environmental

Research Subject Area(s)

Chemical Sciences: Physical Chemistry (incl. Structural)
Engineering: Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering

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