Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford
Our research addresses the necessary transition to secure, low-environmental-impact and equitable energy systems. We research current patterns and potential futures of technologies, skills, activities, knowledge, markets, policy and governance. We specialise in energy use in buildings and transport systems and our focus is on energy demand and the integration of renewable energy.
RESEARCH THEMES
Our work is organised into themes, with some research projects listed under more than one theme.
Energy Systems and Governance
Focuses on major changes to whole energy systems, including the way they are organized and how decisions are made. Led by Nick Eyre.
Projects +Energy Demand Policy
Focuses on existing and potential policies to reduce energy demand, including work on equity and fuel poverty issues. Led by Tina Fawcett.
Projects +Energy Monitoring and Analytics
Focuses on developments in energy and environmental monitoring.
Projects +Flexibility
Focuses on ways to balance supply and demand, including storage, demand response, networks and generation.
Projects +Smart systems and everyday life
Focuses on human dimensions of energy systems, including human-technology interfaces, the relationship between everyday practices and energy use, decision-making, social learning and the role of ICT. Led by Sarah Darby.
Projects +Builders and Buildings
Focuses on the practices and processes of innovation in the construction industry, and its potential role in delivering and maintaining low-energy buildings. Led by Gavin Killip.
Projects +Energy, Organisations and Society
Focuses on the dual role of organisations as energy consumers and as providers of energy-consuming goods and services.
Projects +Transport and Mobility
Focuses on reduced energy consumption, behavioural change and socio-technical transitions towards low-carbon, clean and energy efficient transport systems. Led by Christian Brand across ECI/TSU.
Projects +
Energy news
- 18/10/22 18 October 2022 - read more + Why the 'energy price cap' is confusing - and how it could be better communicated If you thought energy bills in Britain were capped at £2,500, you are not alone. Even Prime Minister Liz Truss recently made the same mistake, incorrectly claiming that no household would pay more. What Britain has actually done, in common with many other countries facing an energy crisis this winter, is cap the price of units of energy - the amount you pay per watt of electricity or gas. Dr Sam Hampton explores the issue in a recent article in The Conversation.
- 05/10/22 5 October 2022 - read more + Shining a light on energy's zero carbon future In a new film and long read article, the Oxford Martin School explores how its Programme on Integrating Renewable Energy has been working towards a future for the energy system that is not just about reaching net zero, but that is about delivering a high quality of life for everyone: a future with clean and efficient transport, affordable domestic energy, and life-enhancing benefits. The programme's interdisciplinary team includes several researchers from SoGE.
- 24/08/22 28 August 2022 - read more + From OPEC to Net Zero and still optimistic: Professor Nick Eyre on 34 years as an environmentalist An environmental campaigner for over 30 years and advisor to two Prime Ministers, Professor Nick Eyre is surprisingly buoyant in the circumstances. He laughs easily and maintains he is an optimist because the alternative is too depressing.
- 27/05/22 27 May 2022 - read more + New cross-sector sustainable energy transition hub opens with energy crisis forum On Thursday 26 May Oxford University's brand new £3.25m Zero-carbon Energy Research Oxford (ZERO) Institute and Energy Systems Accelerator pilot (Mini-TESA) opened their doors to showcase the range and depth of ambition in Oxford to drive forward the energy systems transition for the UK and globally.
Research outputs
Pathways to a zero carbon Oxfordshire
Tackling climate change has become an urgent priority for governments, businesses and citizens around the world. In 2019, the UK Parliament passed legislation committing to a target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In response, local authorities around the country have been scaling up their ambitions to tackle climate change. In Oxfordshire, all local authorities have acknowledged and responded to the climate emergency, and are developing plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 or sooner.
- 2021
The role of energy demand reduction in achieving net-zero in the UK
The study brings together 17 energy demand modelling experts from within CREDS to provide extensive detail on the possibilities to reduce energy demand in every sector. These sectoral reductions in energy demand are brought together into a whole-system modelling approach, to understand the potential contribution of energy demand reduction to support climate action in the UK.
- 2021
Latest publications
- Hampton, S. and Curtis, J. (2022) A bridge over troubled water? Flood insurance and the governance of climate change adaptation. Geoforum, 136: 80-91.
- Barnes, J. and Darby, S. (2022) Unlocking innovation at the grid edge: a regulatory proposal to extend 'complex site' arrangements. Zenodo.
- Golob, U., Kamin, T. and Barnes, J. (2022) Knowledge and skills required to set up and operate clean energy communities. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Energy.
- Barnes, J., Hansen, P., Kamin, T., Golob, U., Musolino, M. and Nicita, A. (2022) Energy communities as demand-side innovators? Assessing the potential of European cases to reduce demand and foster flexibility. Energy Research and Social Science, 93. 102848.
- Anable, J. and Brand, C. (2022) Is the Future Electric? In, Thunberg, G. (ed.) The Climate Book. Penguin Press, London. 464 pp. ISBN: 9780241547472.
- Vrain, E., Wilson, C. and Andrews, B. (2022) The discontinuance of low carbon products and services. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 185. 122051.
