Policy
developments are vitally important to developing a low carbon future. In order to
successfully implement new technologies and solutions we need to look at energy
in a holistic fashion. We need to better understand what influences habits and practices
and the impacts of the design of market and regulatory frameworks on energy production,
supply and use. We need to use this evidence to generate effective public policy
and other solutions. We seek to ensure that relevant knowledge generated through
our projects is fed through to policy makers and regulators.
We support the
UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) which takes an independent whole-systems approach,
drawing in engineering, economics and the physical, environmental and social sciences.
UKERC is looking at how the UK can move towards a resilient low-carbon energy system.
It also encourages collaboration between national and international business and
research communities and supports early career researchers.
Other major centres in policy funded by us include the
Sussex Energy Group, the
Electricity Policy Research Group in Cambridge, the Research Group on
Lifestyles Values and Environment at Surrey University and the Centre for
Business Relationships, Accountability, Sustainability and Society at Cardiff
University.
Public engagement is an integral part of our programme - energy is a key focus
for promoting science and for encouraging young people into science. Activities
we support include research into engaging pupils, teachers and governors in the
science, engineering and technology of "carbon neutral" schools at
De Montfort University and an inflatable
"Sun Dome" which is used to describe fusion and its importance as a future energy
source to primary school children. We held a dialogue to gain public input on the
future priorities for the programme, working with Ipsos MORI.
A combined effort in this area should enable us to look at the challenges in
a holistic fashion, incorporating new technology developments as well as the public
perception of future changes. This "whole systems" approach should enable the delivery
of effective policy and ensure that the changes occur to provide maximum social
and economic benefit.
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