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Durham Energy Institute

Durham Energy Institute delivers understanding, leadership and solutions for energy decarbonisation and the transition to net-zero.
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About DEI

Decarbonising energy is one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today.

To meet current targets for reducing greenhouse emissions, addressing climate change and achieving the sustainable development goals, the global energy system needs to move towards renewable energy at unprecedented pace and scale. We need to increase sources of secure low-carbon energy, reduce fossil fuel use and change energy-use practices in our society and industry. However, to be sustainable, decarbonisation must at least avoid increasing the inequalities - and ideally, start to reduce them.
About Us
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Approaching energy as socio-technical helps us to understand solutions fully and from many perspectives.

Durham Energy Institute works to ensure sustainable and resilient low-carbon energy systems can be developed which meet the needs of different contexts and ensure fair access for everyone.

Examples of our leadership in energy research include:

  • Promoting a whole-systems approach to energy research integrating the social, environmental, economic, policy, technical and regulatory implications of energy pathways and choices
  • Best practice in innovative training for future energy leaders
  • World-leading research to make Offshore Wind more affordable and reliable
  • Leading international research on smart energy solutions
  • Working with industrial clusters to developing innovative decarbonisation solutions
  • Driving forward the UK Hydrogen Revolution
  • Discovering and developing new energy materials to help achieve durable, efficient, and sustainable energy systems.

With our global partners, DEI is making a real contribution to global energy transitions and ensuring effective solutions for decarbonisation are delivered at local, regional, national and international scales.

Latest activity at DEI

An article by Dr Matthew Littlefair on the benefits of being a member of the Durham Energy Institute for post graduate students

TMatthew Littlefair

DEI Seminar on 18th April 2024 - A Town Scale Heat Network driven by Deep Geothermal – the view of a promoter

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DEI Seminar Series on 16th May 2024 - EVaaS: Electric vehicle-as-a-service for energy trading in SDN-enabled smart transportation system6

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DEI Seminar Series on 21st March 2024 - Anthro-Physical Design of Sustainable and Resilient Built Assets

DEI Events Logo

Discover more

Get in touch

Enquiries about the Durham Energy Institute should be sent via the email below.

Durham Energy Institute
Durham University
South Road
Durham
DH1 3LE
UK

Tel: +44 (0)191 334 2649
Fax: +44 (0)191 334 2408

Energy Institute News

  • New funding to expand access to renewable energy research

    We’re part of a world-leading renewable energy research collaboration that has received almost £5.3million from the UK government to expand its work.
    Research news
    A group of students sitting at a desk looking at a computer screen

  • Pioneering centre to energise UK’s offshore wind ambitions

    We’re supporting the creation of a new research centre to advance cutting edge solutions to offshore wind challenges and drive the UK’s transition to Net Zero.
    Research news
    Large white wind turbines in the sea under a blue sky with fluffy white clouds

  • The path to a Just Transition

    Last week, academics, government leaders and industry experts from across the energy sector gathered in Durham City for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of energy and how to ensure a just transition to a cleaner future. This event brought together speakers from finance, policy, technology and advocacy backgrounds to share their insights on the policies and finance needed to achieve a Just Transition.
    Research news
    man in ties sat at office desk

New funding to expand access to renewable energy research

We’re part of a world-leading renewable energy research collaboration that has received almost £5.3million from the UK government to expand its work.

Research news
A group of students sitting at a desk looking at a computer screen

Pioneering centre to energise UK’s offshore wind ambitions

We’re supporting the creation of a new research centre to advance cutting edge solutions to offshore wind challenges and drive the UK’s transition to Net Zero.
Research news
Large white wind turbines in the sea under a blue sky with fluffy white clouds

The path to a Just Transition

Last week, academics, government leaders and industry experts from across the energy sector gathered in Durham City for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of energy and how to ensure a just transition to a cleaner future. This event brought together speakers from finance, policy, technology and advocacy backgrounds to share their insights on the policies and finance needed to achieve a Just Transition.
Research news
man in ties sat at office desk
Find out about our latest research and news