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 do we do?
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.
What makes us unique?
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 on the zero-carbon transition, in Oxford working closely with our partners such as the Oxford Energy Network and Oxford Net Zero.
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.
Future of Cooling
Based at the Oxford Martin School, the Future of cooling programme focuses on understanding and shaping sustainable cooling solutions, prioritising passive and less energy-intensive technologies to protect people and prepare countries for extreme heat events.
The Energy Systems Accelerator (TESA)
We are based at Mini-TESA – The Energy Systems Accelerator pilot – a new world-leading multi-disciplinary hub and co-working space located in Holywell House at Osney Mead in Oxford.
The Energy Systems Accelerator (TESA) pilot aims to foster collaboration between industry and academia across all energy sectors to develop new approaches to help us meet the zero-carbon challenge.
Unique working practices
In a unique working arrangement, scientists are sharing space with social enterprises, industrial and local government stakeholders.
Concerns about intellectual property (IP) which have traditionally funnelled scientific groups into tightly protected groups, working in highly specialised siloes, have been re-thought so that a shared mission enables collaborations previously thought impossible.
Pooling expertise
Scientists, researchers and university academics from a wide variety of disciplines are physically working together to pool their expertise and think through problems from multiple perspectives – from the sharp end of technological challenges and the economics of how this works in financial systems, to the human behaviour considerations needed for adaptation.
Teaching & Research
The University of Oxford’s MSc in Energy Systems led by Professor David Wallom, is taught here in open, adaptable learning spaces right across the hall from one of the country’s most prestigious energy research labs led by Malcolm McCulloch.
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
About our case studies
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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
Next Generation Battery Energy Storage
Energy storage is critical to decarbonization in a range of sectors. As we approach the limits of Li-ion technology, developing next generation battery chemistries is crucial to delivering performance gains, as well as to ensuring a sustainable, resilient supply chain. Li-sulfur batteries are one such technology. Find out more
Our vision
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Latest news
How is the University of Oxford addressing the climate crisis?
Oxford, 22 April 2025 On Earth Day 2025, Oxford has launched its Climate and the Environment campaign. From now through to COP30, ... Read more
Highlights from the ZERO ECR Network
This academic year has marked an exciting period of growth for the ZERO Institute’s Early Career Researcher (ECR) Network, as we expanded our community, deepened partnerships, and supported researchers tackling critical energy transition challenges. Read more
ZERO Institute launches Oxford Student Branch of the 2025 ASHRAE competition
The ZERO Institute, in its drive to support students to become the next generation of leaders in zero-carbon energy, has joined the UK ... Read more
Our Partners
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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 People
Based within the University of Oxford but with a global outreach, our multi-disciplinary team spans engineering and material sciences, geography and the environment, and mathematical, physical and life sciences.
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
Robert Hoye
Associate Professor of Inorganic Chemistry
Robert Hoye is an Associate Professor of Inorganic Chemistry, and Tutorial Fellow at St. John’s College. He obtained his first ... Read more
More from ZERO Institute
About the ZERO Institute
We want to shape the transition to a just and fair global zero-carbon energy system, through research that unifies technology, policy, and people.
Our People
The ZERO Institute is a multi-disciplinary hub for zero-carbon energy research, bringing together academics from across the University of Oxford.
Latest News
Catch up on the latest news and events to see how ZERO is driving the transition to a zero-carbon energy system.