Research

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.  

 ZERO’s research themes are strategically designed to accelerate the net-zero transition across four strategic sectors: power, industry, transport, and buildings. Moreover, ZERO research follows a systems thinking approach integrating diverse disciplines and non-academic collaboration to ensure real-world impact. This interdisciplinary approach encompasses diversity, societal dynamics, data analysis, security protocols, digital innovations, policy formulation, and enterprise strategies, which are crucial for addressing complex contemporary challenges. Our mission is to bridge between academia, industry, and society to achieve a just and fair, zero-carbon energy transition globally. 

Research Themes

Generation

Conversion

Distribution

Storage

Usage

All Case Studies

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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.
Enabling a low-carbon, Circular Economy for Electrical and Electronic Equipment that reduces the mining of rare, expensive and critical minerals.
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.
Project LEO demonstrated how local energy systems can accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon energy future through innovative technology and community engagement.
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.
We tune grain and phase boundaries for electro-ceramics for electrolysers. Critical reactions in electro-ceramics depend on the crystallography of these boundaries and their stability at constantly changing conditions
Battery energy storage is a cornerstone of de-carbonistation plans. Our research on the Science of Battery Safety is ensuring that batteries are safely deployed in a range of demanding applications.
Groups from Chemistry, Physics and Materials are developing a new generation of light-harvesting materials that can increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of photovoltaics for residential and utility-scale electricity generation, as well as for energy harvesting to power IoT electronics
How can digital twin technology and building energy simulations help identify performance gaps in operational buildings: a case study of the Andrew Wiles Building at the University of Oxford.
The ZERO Institute has created a living lab in Oxford to explore, test, and demonstrate novel techniques and technologies on the road to zero-carbon energy buildings: optimising control, reducing demand, increasing efficiency, and integrating renewables.

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.

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