UN SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Our research
An alternative source of heat could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a process which turns food waste into power, new research suggests.
In an effort to help decarbonise the national electricity grids, a leading team of experts from the University have investigated the benefit to using air-source heat pumps to support anaerobic digestion. The investigation found this method could reduce by a third the carbon emissions produced in the use of biogas. Additionally, the findings highlight the potential to help rural communities produce their own carbon-conscious power.
SSE Energy Solutions is to fund the most detailed research ever conducted into the performance of renewable technologies in the business sector. The PhD research, which is being jointly funded by the University of Glasgow and the Energy Technology Partnership, will analyse data from projects ranging from small businesses to large distribution operations.
The government’s target of net-zero emissions by 2050 has seen an unprecedented uptake by businesses in behind-the-meter renewable technologies such as solar panels, heat pumps and battery storage with very few demonstrated studies critically analysing the performance of such solutions.
Colleagues from across the University continue to investigate carbon capture storage (CCS) in line with partnerships with the UK’s largest CCS network, the Scottish Carbon Capture Storage network. Researchers from the School of Geographical & Earth Sciences have explored the benefits and challenges for the utilisation of alkaline wastes in passive carbon capture to influence positive impacts on environmental factors.
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Learning & teaching
The Masters in Sustainable Energy from our James Watt School of Engineering is an interdisciplinary programme addressing all the key aspects of sustainable energy, from the most advanced technologies through to ethical and economic considerations. Learning is enhanced through regular industrial lectures and graduates are well-positioned for future careers contributing to the future of sustainable energy.
Postgraduate study
University operations
Our Estates teams continue to improve the energy sustainability of our historic estate, including a recent project which successfully delivered electrified heating from a renewable source. Air source heat pump technology has been installed in one of our oldest buildings – Florentine House was built around 1828 and is home to the College of Social Sciences College Office. The extensive refurbishment of Florentine House, designed to provide modern working space, also included re-insulation and the decommissioning of a gas boiler.
We have also upgraded the lighting in our Molema Building on our Gilmorehill campus. By replacing the originally installed luminaires with LED lighting, we will save an estimated 28 tonnes of CO2 due to the reduction in the amount of electricity required to power LEDs.
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Our research into air source heat pump technology for heating homes shows that their use in supporting anaerobic digestion could cut the carbon emitted during the production of biogas by more than a third.
Civic engagement
Professor David Flynn, of the University’s James Watt School of Engineering, has lent his expertise to a round-table discussion on the hydrogen economy.
Professor Flynn participated in a discussion on how Scotland and Germany could collaborate on a sustainable and scalable hydrogen economy at an event at the Scottish Government.
Attendees at the meeting included ministers and officials from both Scottish and German government.
A Hydrogen Innovation Centre will also be established at the University to accelerate the development of hydrogen technologies. The centre will be jointly funded by a £100K grant each from the Scottish Government and the testing and certification organisation TÜV SÜD and will provide a platform for academic research groups and commercial enterprises from across Scotland to take hydrogen technologies from experimental proof of concept to the small prototype stage. Building the capacity for performance and safety testing with hydrogen in Scotland will be a key enabler of a local hydrogen supply chain, which is essential for capturing economic value as Scotland moves towards its 5-gigawatt target. This not only paves the way for a greener and more sustainable future but also positions Scotland as a key player in the global energy transition.
The University is part of the ENCLUDE network examining effective ways at engaging citizens on sustainability and climate action. The programme works alongside research partnerships across Europe and North America, supported by Glasgow City Council, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and Energy Action Scotland. It uses various approaches to encourage individuals to adopt practices for sustainability and decarbonisation.
Find out about our progress towards the 17 SDGs:
