19 August 2025
The University of Oxford has a world leading zero-carbon energy portfolio. Cutting edge research by countless researchers, students and research groups tackles theoretical and real-world issues crucial to the zero-carbon energy transition, informing policy and practice.
The ZERO Institute and its members are protagonists of research that fosters system thinking and interactions across disciplines for a just zero-carbon energy transition. We are releasing three new case studies by members of the ZERO Institute or of its ecosystem, showing the breadth, depth and urgency of research and of the issues it addresses.
Electrical and Electronic Equipment is the fastest growing waste stream in the UK and world, with recovery rates still low. The Circular Electrical and Electronics Project, led by Lucia Corsini, develops systems and solutions to enable a Circular Economy in which product lifetimes are maximised and products are effectively reused, remanufactured, repaired and recycled. Click here to read the case study.
The transition to net-zero carbon energy requires the integration of millions of grid-edge devices into the UK over the next decade, but computational complexity makes traditional centralised dispatch impracticable for this. The SAGEflex project, led by Thomas Morstyn, aims to give power system operators confidence in adopting safeguarded AI for grid-edge devices, unlocking large amounts of clean low-cost flexibility for Great Britain’s power grid. Click here to read the case study.
Off-grid solar systems are a vital energy source for millions across sub-Saharan Africa, but the reliability of the lithium-iron-phosphate batteries used remains a major challenge. The MaxBatt project, led by David Howey, focuses on Li-ion cells life and performance in off-grid solar-battery and e-mobility applications in developing countries, contributing to more sustainable battery practices in sub-Saharan Africa. Click here to read the case study.
The ZERO Institute hosts several more case studies, in energy generation, conversion, distribution, storage and usage. They are all available here, and new case studies are regularly added.
