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Energy Systems Research Institute

About us

The Energy Systems Research Institute was open between 2015 and 2021. This page shows the Institute’s past work. It is not monitored or updated.

Research Councils UK acknowledge that although there is great uncertainty around the future development of energy systems, 'whole systems interdisciplinary research can provide a more constructive and innovative contribution to wider policy developments'.

Our vision is to undertake internationally-leading research into the development of sustainable, affordable, socially acceptable and secure energy systems through a multi-disciplinary approach that supports collaboration and innovation.

We’re facing an energy ‘trilemma’ with increasing pressures on protecting the environment, availability and security of energy supply, as well as needing to address the questions of affordability and public acceptance.

Professor Phil Bowen Co-director, Energy Systems Research Institute

As the challenges extend beyond the purely technical, we are uniquely positioned to draw on excellence from research teams across Cardiff University's three colleges, allowing physical and social science aspects of our research to be considered.

A further strength of our Research Institute are the industrial and policy collaborations and partnerships we have and continue to develop. These help inform and advise our strategy. Partnerships include the National Grid, the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and TATA, with ongoing collaborations with energy focussed companies including EON, Siemens and Rolls-Royce.

As we move towards a zero carbon future, energy is high on everyone’s agenda. We focus on a ‘whole system’ approach , and we're particularly interested in realising the 'top-down' future energy aspirations of government and industry, through developing 'bottom-up' project based activities and demonstrators.

Professor Phil Jones Co-director, Energy Systems Research Institute

The knowledge and expertise of our people has led them to regularly act as scientific advisors for the UK Government, including the Department of Energy & Climate Change and the Department of Business. They have also worked for the Welsh and Scottish Assemblies.