Current Projects
Aura - The Humber Regional Offshore Wind Cluster
Aura is the offshore wind energy cluster for the Humber region. This includes Durham University and our strategic partner Ørsted, the biggest wind developer in the world, along with Siemens Gamesa. Aura aims to act as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation to support the sector’s growth. Since its inception in 2015 Aura has created an Innovation Centre and the Aura Centre for Doctoral Training where Durham University are leading 15 PhD projects in offshore wind energy and the environment.
Centre for Energy Systems Integration (CESI)
As the availability of fossil fuels declines and traditional energy structures become obsolete, it is essential we develop new energy sources that can also help counter the threat of climate change, as well as building smarter, flexible and integrated energy systems. Durham’s experts are at the forefront of developing these new energy solutions, which has been further enhanced by the University’s role in CESI.
COP26 and responding to Climate Change
COP26 international schools climate education and conference
DEcarbonisation of Low-TemperAture Process Heat Industry, DELTA PHI
Durham Heat Hub
Energi Coast North East Offshore Wind Cluster
High-efficiency fuel flexible free-piston engine generator
Geothermal Energy
Durham University leads research into the potential for geothermal energy in the UK. The UK's geothermal resources are significant could supply heat to the UK for over a century. Our innovative research considers water in abandoned mines as a future low carbon heat source. We are working with the Coal Authority, Regional Local Enterprise Partnerships, Durham County Council, the BritGeothermal research partnership and Industry to explore this potential and develop demonstrators in the UK.
INCLUDE - a research centre for socially inclusive energy transitions
Low Carbon Energy for Development Network (LCEDN)
Mathematical foundations for energy networks: buffering, storage and transmission
Network for Heating and Cooling research to enable a net-zero future
Network for Hydrogen Transportation - Network H2
North East Centre for Energy Materials
PEOPLE: PEOple-centred development approaches in Practical and Learning Environments
Prosperity Partnerships: A New Partnership in Offshore Wind
ReFINE - Researching Fracking In Europe
Regional Offshore Wind Clusters
Durham Energy Institute is a key partner in two of eight regional clusters developed as part of the Offshore Wind Sector Deal UK - the North East Cluster Energi Coast and the Humber Cluster - Aura. These regional collaborations between major companies in the offshore wind industry, leading academic institutions and government and non-governmental organisations have a key role in driving forward the ambitions of the UK offshore wind industry and regional economic development. Durham’s Professor Simon Hogg, Ørsted Chair in Renewable Energy, is leading on innovation in both clusters.