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
Evaluating electricity market design using agent-based modelling
Electricity markets must evolve with the energy transition. This research useds agent-based modelling to analyse the impact of locational electricity market pricing reform on investment in power generation. Find out more
Greenwashing and Accountability in the U.S. Meat Industry
This study investigated how leading U.S. meat corporations use climate narratives to obscure their methane emissions, revealing greenwashing patterns and identifying pathways for future climate accountability and litigation. Find out more
Beyond Steady-State CCES: Modelling Frictional Losses and Dispatch Dynamics
This modelling study expanded steady-state CCES frameworks with friction, geology, and renewable-driven dispatch, clarifying CO₂ vs. air cycle performance and their dual contributions to carbon reuse and clean-energy storage for Net Zero. Find out more
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
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