Energy Systems

Theme Leader: Professor Paul Ekins, University College London

Introduction

The overall aim of the Energy Systems theme is to make a world-class contribution to energy system modelling by showing how the UK, in a range of global contexts, could achieve its carbon targets and increase its energy system resilience over the period 2020-2050, and exploring the associated economic and environmental implications.

Building on the work and in UKERC I, the Energy Systems work in UKERC II encompasses a range of qualitative and quantitative methods, specialising in formal modelling of the energy system and its relationship with the economy and the environment. We systematically compare complementary modelling approaches. The Energy Systems team is also continuing UK energy systems networking activities from Phase I, together with substantial international engagement.

New priorities for energy systems analysis includes research links with the other UKERC themes, includinglinking energy systems models with life-cycle assessment and the valuation of ecosystem services, working with the Energy and Environment theme.

Meet the team

Research Projects

The Energy Systems team is currently working on seven projects. The main projects are:

Decarbonisation pathways, Key Contact: Gabrial Anandarajah (University College London)
Security of oil and gas supplies, Key contact: Paul Ekins (University College London)
Energy system uncertainties, Key contact: Neil Strachan (University College London)
Carbon Capture and Storage: Realising the Potential, Key contact: Jim Watson (Sussex Energy Group)
Geopolitical economy of global gas security, Key contact: Michael Bradshaw (University of Leicester)
An options approach to UK energy futures, Key contact: Derek Bunn (London Business School)
Whole system risk assessment of UK energy futures, Key contact: Simon Pollard (Cranfield University)