Energy is at the top of our national and international policy agenda. We need secure and sustainable energy supplies to facilitate our economy and way of life. However, energy provision is the major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The Stern Review emphasises the need for an urgent global response to climate change including measures such as energy demand reduction and new technology in power generation, transport, and energy use.
The Research Councils' Energy Programme brings together energy-related research and training across the Research Councils to address the outstanding international issues of climate change and security of energy supply. The programme aims to sustain the strong research portfolio in power generation and supply, and grow the portfolio in demand reduction, alternative energy vectors, transport, security of supply, research capacity building, and international engagement.
Collaborative development of the portfolio with business, government, Regional Development Agencies, and other funders and non-governmental organisations is a priority. The programme will work closely with the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) and its company members and the Technology Strategy Board, the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, and DIUS to help realise the enormous potential of ETI to bring a step change in applied energy research and development in the UK and internationally. The Councils will seek to ensure that ETI work is focused in appropriate technology areas, addresses relevant environmental, social and economic issues, and pulls through the most promising work from the research base.
For more information, see: www.rcuk.ac.uk/energy