Accelerating the transition to a just and fair zero-carbon energy system for all
The ZERO Institute is a world-class, multi-disciplinary hub for zero-carbon energy research, education and innovation at The University of Oxford. The transition to a zero-carbon economy is amongst the greatest challenges humanity has ever faced: our goal is to guide global energy implementers towards a zero-carbon energy future, working closely with policy and practice.
What is the ZERO Institute?
The ZERO Institute (Zero-carbon Energy Research Oxford) brings together researchers and innovators to tackle questions surrounding zero-carbon energy systems, and to accelerate the energy transition.
We use a broad energy lens, spanning energy generation, conversion, distribution and use. We explore technologies including renewable generation, like solar and wind power, passive cooling and heat pumps, battery energy storage, fuel cells and electrolysis and smart grids. Alongside strategies to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy demand, we are tackling technical, economic and social challenges to enable a just energy transition.
We use the outcomes of our work to inform research, teaching and policymaking from a local to global level. Our partnerships with industry, and our entrepreneurial activities are translating our work to real world impact. Collectively, we are shaping the future zero-carbon energy system.
Our work is focused on the urgent task of transitioning to a zero-carbon energy system in coming decades.
We are more than a network; we undertake multi-disciplinary research and teaching that spans the technical, social science and policy spheres. We are agile and deliver actionable insights, tools and techniques to accelerate the transition to a just zero-carbon energy system.
We accelerate the innovation cycle, working at the interface of research, policy and practice.
We belong to a centre of research excellence and leadership in Oxford on the zero-carbon transition, working closely with aligned organisations such as the Oxford Energy Network and Oxford Net Zero.
Our Research
Our partnership approach across University of Oxford departments and external organisations is designed to identify strategic needs, amplify existing research and accelerate innovative solutions for a zero-carbon energy system.
Our work augments the University of Oxford’s existing research, adding five main research themes to ensure the University has strength and depth across all elements necessary for a just transition to a zero-carbon energy system.
Generation
Conversion
Distribution
Storage
Usage
Case studies
Real-world impact
Explore concrete examples of our research driving impact across policy, industry, and foundational science
Boosting battery reliability for off-grid energy access
The Faraday Institution ‘MaxBatt’ project developed rapid diagnostics, ageing models, and screening methods for lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, aiming to improve reliability and extend lifespan in rural off-grid solar storage systems. Find out more
Circular Electrical and Electronics Project
Enabling a low-carbon, Circular Economy for Electrical and Electronic Equipment that reduces the mining of rare, expensive and critical minerals. Find out more
SAGEflex: Safeguarded AI Agents for Grid-Edge Flexibility
SAGEflex aims to develop a software platform for training, testing, benchmarking, and scaling up AI-based solutions to unlock power system flexibility from grid-edge devices. Find out more
Project LEO (Local Energy Oxfordshire)
Project LEO demonstrated how local energy systems can accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon energy future through innovative technology and community engagement. Find out more
Our people
The ZERO Institute is a multi-disciplinary hub for zero-carbon energy research, bringing together academics from across the University of Oxford.
Paul Shearing
Director of The ZERO Institute
Paul Shearing is Professor of Sustainable Energy Engineering at the Department of Engineering Science and the Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Battery Technologies. Read more
Radhika Khosla
Associate Professor
Dr Radhika Khosla is Associate Professor at the Smith School of Enterprise and Environment and Research Director of the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development. Read more
Jesus Lizana
Associate Professor in Engineering Science
Jesus Lizana is Associate Professor in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, with a unique experience profile in architecture and engineering. At the ZERO Institute, he leads the research on zero-carbon space heating and cooling. Read more