Centre for DecarbOnisation, Resilience and Energy Systems

Driving the University of Plymouth’s strategy to deliver sustainable solutions to global energy challenges
Abstract image of a hand holding planet earth with symbols around it. 

Centre for DecarbOnisation, Resilience and Energy Systems

Driving the University of Plymouth’s strategy to deliver sustainable solutions to global energy challenges
The Centre for DecarbOnisation, Resilience and Energy Systems (C-DORE) brings together leading researchers from across the University of Plymouth to develop innovative responses to the global challenge of climate change, implementing research towards decarbonisation, energy security and infrastructure resilience, whilst enabling economic growth. 

Our expertise incorporates pioneering research on offshore renewables and other low-carbon energy sources, energy demand and wellbeing, materials-led decarbonisation, nature-based solutions, narratives of transition, and the governance of net-zero and energy security. 
Through these activities, the Centre builds on the leading role played by the University’s research, teaching and professional development in driving the South West’s reputation as a hub of innovative sustainability thinking and practice.
 

Our mission:

  • To enable and coordinate innovative, collaborative and high-impact research on climate change and energy transitions.
  • To foster inclusivity and diversity in research programmes and staff development, while ensuring opportunities for early-career researchers.
  • To nurture and guide partnerships to promote effective action and societal engagement with decarbonisation and climate resilience.

 

Offshore wind farm

The University of Plymouth has internationally recognised expertise in offshore renewable energy (ORE), a key component of meeting the UK's climate targets. This work does not happen in isolation, and C-DORE plays a vital role in bringing together researchers from different disciplines to develop collaborative, innovative solutions.

Lars JohanningProfessor Lars Johanning
Centre Director

Addressing the energy transition and climate change requires innovative – and sometimes daring – ideas that challenge “thinking as usual” and foreground innovation and justice as core building blocks of a sustainable future. By bringing diverse areas of research into conversation and collaboration, C-DORE's mission is to promote synergies that embolden and enable transformative change.

Ian BaileyProfessor Ian Bailey
Centre Co-Director

Energy security

Energy security means ensuring people, communities, and businesses have access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy, while reducing vulnerability to supply disruptions. 
Our research helps address these challenges by exploring how offshore renewable energy can contribute to a more resilient and secure energy system. We are developing expertise in offshore structures, marine technologies, and the ecological and environmental interactions associated with renewable energy development. We are also working with communities and industry to understand how the transition to offshore renewable energy can support local skills, jobs and economies, helping to deliver a more secure and sustainable energy future.
Close-up view of huge ocean waves
 
 

Research themes

Offshore renewables and ocean energy systems

Nuclear and alternative fuels
C-DORE researchers are pioneering sustainable solutions for nuclear energy, turning waste into a valuable resource and supporting the deployment of next-generation nuclear energy technology. C-DORE also has strengths in alternative fuels, particularly green hydrogen.

Circular economy and materials-led decarbonisation
Novel materials will be essential for innovations in decarbonisation technologies. Through materials science, C-DORE researchers are contributing to the longevity and safety of critical offshore renewable energy structures.

Decarbonisation narratives and engagement
Public responses to decarbonisation are influenced by narratives and the ways in which engagement takes place. Insights from C-DORE researchers offer guidance for effective communication and support for policy and practice.

Climate and energy governance
The energy transition will require governance processes to drive ambitious policy change, and C-DORE researchers are providing insights to help policymakers manage political tensions surrounding this transition.

Nature-based solutions and resilience
C-DORE researchers are working to understand how nature-based solutions (NbS) can improve water quality and restore wetland habitat. Flood resilience is also a key focus, including measures to reduce flood risk and improve catchment resilience.

Energy-focused artificial intelligence processes
C-DORE research combines artificial intelligence, drones, computer vision, underwater image enhancement, and autonomous platforms to monitor and assess marine environments around offshore renewable energy sites. We aim to develop intelligent, automated, and sustainable approaches to environmental monitoring that support the protection of biodiversity and marine wildlife.
 

People

 

Research facilities

COAST Lab - 2013958
COAST Lab
COAST lab wind generator (UKFOWTT)
UK Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Test facility
Ship simulator
Maritime Simulation Laboratory
Autonomous Systems Test Laboratory
Autonomous Systems Test Laboratory
Closeup of the High Performance Computing (HPC) resource
The Lovelace System
Heavy Structures and Geotechnics Laboratory
Heavy Structures and Geotechnics Laboratory
RAMS lab
Radioisotope and Advanced Materials Suite (RAMS)
Sub-sonic wind tunnel, Energy and Sustainability Laboratory, Babbage Building
Energy and Sustainability Lab
 
 
 
 
 

Related study opportunities

 
 
 

Work with us

Leverage our research capabilities and access tailored support that aligns with your organisation’s requirements.
The University works with numerous partners to devise creative solutions for their challenges. This collaboration may encompass joint research and development initiatives, access to our state-of-the-art facilities, and consultancy and engagement with student talent and academic expertise.
We help businesses and organisations from the public or third sectors to harness the University’s services, injecting fresh perspectives to foster and propel innovation. 
Coast lab in Marine Building