Energy Systems

The decarbonisation of energy systems requires a transition away from conventional, dispatchable technologies, towards clean but variable renewables. The scale of this transition brings with it complex challenges related to the security, resilience, cost and performance of the systems as a whole.

At Plymouth, we are investigating the design of reliable, affordable, low carbon energy systems of the future. Our holistic approach to research allows us to navigate economic and environmental implications when delivering practical solutions.

Flexible Responsive Systems in Wave Energy: FlexWave

FlexWave is a leading project that will assess the performance of wave energy converters developed using deformable materials, which could improve performance, survivability, reliability and reduce costs. The project will unite experts in hydrodynamics, materials and deployable structures and conduct extensive design analysis and numerical modelling simulations of flexible fabric wave energy converters, alongside physical tests in the COAST Laboratory.

Supergen ORE Hub

Led by Professor Deborah Greaves OBE FREng the Supergen ORE Hub is a £9 million investment that provides research leadership to connect academia, industry, policy and public stakeholders, inspire innovation, and maximise societal value in offshore wind, wave and tidal energy. Comprised of 10 UK universities, the Hub unites the common or aligned research challenges and synergies in the existing technology of offshore wind and marine energy, to advance the emerging sector of ORE and maintain the UK’s position as a world-leader in this field.

Simulator transforms research into marine and maritime installations

The Maritime Simulation Laboratory brings together a network of high-tech components that can be used to run a series of maritime scenarios in real-time. At its heart is a Kongsberg K-Sim Dynamic Positioning simulator – a new facility that can accurately model any maritime geographical area in the world, providing academics and industry with a virtual environment in which to test their innovations before they are deployed in its wave tanks.

Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy

In response to climate change imperatives, we are bringing together a critical mass of leading research and expertise from across the University of Plymouth. Through co-creation and collaboration with partners from business, government and key communities from across the globe, the Centre aims to be a beacon for the University’s whole-system transdisciplinary approach to solutions-oriented research, accelerating sustainable developments in decarbonisation and renewable energy.