Glasgow Centre for Sustainable Energy

UofG launches Glasgow Centre for Sustainable Energy

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:19:00 GMT

The University of Glasgow is launching a new research centre focused on supporting the global transition to sustainable, low-carbon energy systems. The Glasgow Centre for Sustainable Energy brings together academics from across the University to find interdisciplinary new ways of delivering the radical reform of energy services and infrastructure required to reach net-zero.

Recovering tropical forests grow back nearly twice as fast with nitrogen

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:09:23 GMT

In a new paper published in the journal Nature Communications, researchers from the University of Glasgow in the UK and the Cary Institute in the USA suggest that that if recovering tropical forests had enough nitrogen in their soils, they might absorb up to an additional 820 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year for a decade.

Digital twin tech could help slash ‘phantom load’ waste

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:31:21 GMT

Adopting digital twin technology to manage the power consumption of idle devices could save organisations thousands of pounds a year and help reduce their carbon footprint, new research suggests. Engineers from the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering have developed a prototype of a digital tool which can monitor and manage ‘phantom load’, the electricity consumed by devices like computers or office equipment when they are plugged into mains power but are not in active use.

Glasgow Centre for Sustainable Energy celebrates second anniversary

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:34:44 GMT

The Glasgow Centre for Sustainable Energy is marking the second anniversary of its foundation with a look back at its past and a look ahead to its future successes.

Research shows potential of biodegradable circuit boards for wireless comms tech

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:54:36 GMT

The partnership between the University of Glasgow and Jiva Materials aims to cut down on the electronic waste produced by traditional printed circuit boards, or PCBs. PCBs account for up to 40% of the world’s waste electrical and electronic equipment. Conventional PCBs, which use flame-retardant composites or ceramics, are impossible to recycle and are sent to landfill.

Clyde Hydrogen powers ahead with Ecotricity investment

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:03:41 BST

Clyde Hydrogen, a University of Glasgow spinout, has secured strategic investment from green energy pioneer Ecotricity to fast-track development of its revolutionary hydrogen technology. The deal, which closes Clyde Hydrogen’s Pre-Seed2 funding round, will see the company test its prototype energy storage system at one of Ecotricity’s renewable energy sites in the UK.

Ultrasound system can remove common plastic pollutant from water

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:59:51 BST

The system developed by chemists from UofG can scrub up to 94% of the traces of Bisphenol A (BPA) from samples of contaminated water by using ultrasound to create conditions similar to the surface of the sun in bubbles of contaminated water. Scaled-up versions of their prototype could be used in water treatment plants to help remove BPA from water supplies. It could also help industry remove BPA and other hard-to-treat pollutants from waste water before it is discharged into public waterways.

‘Right size, right place’ approach required for climate adaptation plans

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:05:00 BST

The research is one of the outcomes from the Glasgow as a Living Lab Accelerating Novel Transformation (GALLANT) project, led by the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Sustainable Solutions. GALLANT, which is supported by £10.5m from the Natural Environment Research Council, is working with 29 programme partners including Glasgow City Council to develop new methods of climate resilience which also address health, social and economic inequalities.

Turn on, tune in, crop out: £20 device uses ultrasound to produce fertiliser

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:07:44 BST

A £20 device which makes fertiliser by treating water with ultrasound could transform agricultural supply chains in remote areas, its inventors say. The prototype process could be scaled up to enable individual farmers to make their own fertilisers on demand in the future. That, in turn, could reduce the carbon footprint of the agriculture sector, which currently relies on complex, expensive, and fossil-fuel driven factories for large-scale production of fertilisers like ammonia.

New research could unlock the potential of bladeless wind turbines

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 16:50:30 BST

Engineers from the University of Glasgow have used sophisticated computer simulations of bladeless wind turbines (BWTs) to identify for the first time how future generations of the technology could be built for maximum efficiency. The findings could help the renewables industry take BWTs, which are still at an early stage of research and development, from small-scale field experiments to practical forms of power generation for national electricity grids.

New funding for sustainable chemistry project

Tue, 27 May 2025 12:14:23 BST

New funding will enable University of Glasgow researchers to investigate and improve the sustainability of one of chemistry's most widely used purification techniques. Dr Joseph Cameron and Dr Alex Loch will lead the first comprehensive life cycle assessment of flash chromatography purification, backed by a grant from the Royal Society of Chemistry's Sustainable Laboratories Grant programme.

REACT sustainable electronics centre celebrates official launch

Thu, 22 May 2025 13:53:04 BST

The UK’s first sustainable electronics centre was officially launched last month with two events and the inaugural meeting of its steering board. The Responsible Electronics and Circular Technology Centre (REACT), led by UofG, is backed by more than £6m in funding from UK Research & Innovation and industry partners. It is one of five Green Economy Centres which are seeking to find new ways to make industries more sustainable.

Industrial waste is turning to rock in just decades, research reveals

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 16:15:30 BST

Researchers from the University of Glasgow have found that slag, an industrial waste product produced by the steel industry, is turning into solid rock in as little as 35 years. In a paper published in the journal Geology, the researchers explain how detailed analysis of a two-kilometre stretch of slag deposit, at Derwent Howe in West Cumbria led to their discovery of a new Earth system cycle.

UofG spinout aims to transform realtime wireless sensing of train carriages

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:53:10 BST

A new generation of battery-free sensors could help make preventative maintenance and condition monitoring on rail carriages cheaper, easier, and more environmentally-friendly. The sensors are designed to be retro-fitted to existing rolling stock carriages, and could significant could significantly reduce the cost and environmental footprint of wiring in modern trains.

Tree gum supercharges supercapacitor lifespan, research reveals

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:15:41 BST

A waste gum produced by trees found in India could be the key to unlocking a new generation of better-performing, more eco-friendly supercapacitors, researchers say. Scientists from universities in Scotland, South Korea and India are behind the development, which harnesses the unique properties of the otherwise useless tree gum to prevent supercapacitors from degrading over tens of thousands of charging cycles.

Compostable sensors could help grow impact of digital agriculture

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:12:11 BST

Screen-printed, biodegradable soil sensors which can be composted at their end of their lifecycle could enable farmers to improve crop yields while reducing electronic waste, researchers say. The sensors, developed by engineers from the University of Glasgow in collaboration with colleagues from the Łukasiewicz Institute of Microelectronics and Photonic (IMiF) are made from electronic materials which degrade into plant nutrients, acting as fertiliser to help crops grow.

University of Glasgow sustainability work showcased

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:14:56 BST

The Acting Cabinet Secretary attended the Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre (ARC) today and was welcomed by Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal & Vice-Chancellor; Professor Harriet Thomson, Associate Director of Glasgow Centre for Sustainable Energy; James Peck, CEO of Clyde Hydrogen Systems; Dr. Ahmad Taha from the University’s James Watt School of Engineering; and Michelle Ansell, NexGen Carbon Zero Limited.

UofG will lead new £1.3m climate tipping point research project

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:29:09 GMT

Researchers from the University of Glasgow will lead a £1.3m new partnership which aims to develop a network of underwater sensors to monitor the vital signs of the planet’s warming oceans. The new project, led by Professor Martin Lavery of the James Watt School of Engineering, is one of 27 which will share in £81m in funding from ARIA’s Forecasting Tipping Points programme.

New, greener software model could democratise access to geospatial analysis

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:10:47 GMT

Computer analysis of geospatial data could be made more environmentally-friendly thanks to researchers from UofG who are behind the development of the model, called ‘GeoAggregator’, which harnesses the power of machine learning to reduce the computational demands of analysing complex geospatial data sets.

Taylor Swift fans may be ready to ‘Shake Off’ plastic vinyl records, new University of Glasgow study shows

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:01:57 GMT

New research from the University of Glasgow reveals that Taylor Swift fans might be ready for an eco-friendly evolution of how they collect their favourite artist’s music, with one in four willing to consider plastic-free alternatives to traditional vinyl records.

Recyclable artificial vision system could be sweet for the environment

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 12:32:43 GMT

A new form of energy-efficient artificial vision system inspired by the human brain and made in part using honey could help reduce the impact of electronic waste. Engineers from the University of Glasgow partnered with researchers from São Paulo State University (UNESP) and Hong Kong Metropolitan University to develop the system, which uses organic, biodegradable and recyclable parts to ‘see’ and ‘remember’ colours while drawing a tiny amount of power.

Chip-free wireless sensors could reduce environmental impact of electronic tags

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 17:17:20 GMT

A more sustainable new form of electronic tag could help reduce the vast environmental impact caused by single-use RFID technologies, researchers say. Engineers from the University of Glasgow have developed the new wireless tag system, which can identify objects and measure temperature without the use of microchips.

Fully-funded net-zero robotics PhD opportunities available at RAINZ CDT

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 16:14:47 GMT

The four-year RAINZ CDT programme will drive significant advancements across each stage of the lifecycle of Net Zero energy generation assets, focusing on critical infrastructure like wind turbines, solar arrays, and nuclear reactors. Research projects range from AI-empowered zero touch wireless network management for robot fleets to human-AI collaboration for enhanced delicate object handling in remote teleoperation.

Action urged over climate change’s impact on hydropower and wildlife

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 16:54:48 GMT

Scotland must do more to help hydropower facilities maximise their output and prevent negative impacts on wildlife in the face of the challenges posed by climate change, according to a new report.

UofG researchers showcased in new SAGES podcast series

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 16:58:32 GMT

University of Glasgow researchers are playing a key role in a new podcast series launched by the Scottish Alliance for Geoscience, Environment and Society (SAGES).

UofG researchers part of European sustainable energy systems project

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:01:00 GMT

Researchers from the University of Glasgow are lending their expertise to a new European project which is setting out to advance the role of superconducting cable in the continent’s transition to clean energy. Principal investigator Dr Mohammad Yazdani-Asrami and co-investigator Dr Wenjuan Song, of the James Watt School of Engineering, will lead the University’s contribution to the Life Cycle Centre for Power CABLE diagnosis project (CABLEGNOSIS).

International collaboration unveils Philippine river management recommendations

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 16:44:42 GMT

Since 2020, UofG & University of the Philippines experts have led PAMANA (Philippine Mining at the National to Catchment Scale: From Legacy Impacts to Sustainable Futures project). The outcomes are based on the 1st comprehensive national-scale study of rivers in the Philippines, undertaken by the team over the course of 3 years. Their findings point the way to how the Philippines can take a more robust approach to managing mining activities & protecting its rivers.

UKRI funding for UofG led research to help achieve the UK's net zero target

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 17:06:35 GMT

University of Glasgow led research that promises to bring about fresh thinking on land use change to help achieve the UK’s net zero target has received funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Rapid Engagement with Stressed Peatland Environments and Communities in Transformation (RESPECT) is an innovative project that will produce data, methods, landholder tools and proposals for governance reforms to change agricultural practices on peatland, and reduce emissions from land use.

Glasgow Centre for Sustainable Energy welcomes Chris Stark

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 15:05:47 GMT

The University of Glasgow has welcomed a key net-zero decisionmaker from the UK Government to a strategy workshop which aimed to help shape the University’s future approach to research and collaboration in the field of sustainable energy. Chris Stark, the UK Government’s Head of Mission Control for Clean Power 2030, attended the Glasgow Centre for Sustainable Energy’s initial internal workshop on Friday 1 November.

New development could help deliver improved potassium-ion batteries

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 16:41:43 GMT

A breakthrough in material science could help deliver a new generation of affordable batteries, scientists say. An international team of researchers led by chemists from the University of Glasgow and battery testing experts at Helmholtz Institute Ulm have implemented a material made from chromium and selenium in a potassium-ion battery. The discovery brings the batteries a step closer to becoming a viable alternative to lithium-ion systems.

Electric wallpaper among projects powering a net zero future in Scotland

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 15:18:14 BST

Electric wallpaper is being piloted in 12 tenement properties in Glasgow to assess its effectiveness as a clean heat source, as part of a project led by the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, West of Scotland Housing Association and Glasgow City Council – with recent funding from Scotland Beyond Net Zero.

TransiT research hub welcomes visitor from Department of Transport

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 15:11:37 BST

The University of Glasgow has played host to a visitor from the UK Government to discuss the progress of a £46m research hub which is pushing forward the country’s efforts to decarbonise transport through digital twin technology.

New funding for green economy research at University of Glasgow

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 15:06:24 BST

Researchers from the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering will play leading roles in new projects to accelerate the growth of the UK’s sustainable industries, supported by millions in funding from the UK Government. Professor Jeff Kettle will lead the £5.5m Responsible Electronics and Circular Technologies Centre (REACT), and Professor Gioia Falcone will be part of the £5.6m Centre for Net-Zero High Density Buildings, led by the University of Edinburgh.

School of Computing Science aims to reduce environmental impact of digital tech

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:31:23 BST

UofG computing science students are set to become the first in the UK to have specific material about the environmental impact of digital technologies integrated into their undergraduate curriculum. Professor Wim Vanderbauwhede created and leads the School of Computing Science’s Low Carbon and Sustainable Computing Group. He and Dr Lauritz Thamsen, the School's Sustainability Subject Adviser, led the push to integrate environmental considerations into the School’s undergraduate curriculum.

Researchers will pioneer use of digital twins to decarbonise the UK’s transport systems

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 14:49:52 BST

A new national hub focused on rapidly decarbonising transport in the UK, including road, rail, air and maritime, has secured £46 million from the UK government and almost 70 partners. The TransiT Hub, a collaboration of eight universities and 67 partners jointly led by Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow, has secured £20 million in funding from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Solar-powered mobile music studio hits Glasgow's streets

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 14:32:58 BST

UofG academics are working with a unique solar-powered mobile music recording and live production studio called the Phonoautobothy, that will power a number of music events in Glasgow. Professor Matt Brennan and Dr Graeme Hunt, both based at the University of Glasgow, are leading on a groundbreaking 'Dear Green Music Scene' project, working together with Idlefield Art Lab on the Phonoautobothy.

Lessons learned from the Arctic to the Andes could help billions get online

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 14:42:00 BST

Prof. Muhammad Imran, who leads UofG's Communications, Sensing & Imaging Hub, is first author of the paper. He said: “Although wireless communications have made huge inroads in societies around the globe in recent years, half the world’s population still remains offline. That means that billions of people are cut off from the opportunities for education, employment, healthcare & more that only access to high-quality communications can provide. Connecting the unconnected is vitally important."

UofG joins £5M collaboration to help UK prepare for climate change

Wed, 22 May 2024 13:29:51 BST

The new Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC) hub, led by King’s College London, is funded by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) and the Department for Food and Rural Affairs. Professor Jaime Toney, director of the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Sustainable Solutions, will lead the University’s contribution to MACC.

Pioneering energy startup Clyde Hydrogen secures over £1M in pre-seed funding

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 13:54:08 BST

A University of Glasgow start-up that is set to revolutionise the hydrogen energy sector has announced the successful closure of its pre-seed funding round totalling more than £1m in equity and grants. Clyde Hydrogen said the investment marked a significant vote of confidence in its mission to develop cutting-edge hydrogen production solutions that promise to significantly reduce carbon emissions and advance the global transition to a sustainable energy future.

New study shows how pyrolysis tech could improve rural life in India

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 14:34:00 GMT

In a new paper published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, the researchers outline how three products of pyrolysis – bio-oil, syngas and biochar fertiliser – could help villagers live healthier and greener lives with more productive farmland. The paper also lays out a series of recommendations for maximising the system’s economic viability. Dr Siming You, of the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering, leads the research project.

SMuRFs could help make nuclear decommissioning work safer

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 08:30:00 GMT

Nuclear power stations could be decommissioned in the future with the help of teams of autonomous robots known as the SMuRFs, scientists have suggested.

Space reflectors could ensure bright future for solar power farms

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:25:00 GMT

Reflectors placed in orbit around the Earth which send sunlight towards future solar power farms at dawn and dusk could help accelerate the transition to net-zero, researchers say.

Net Zero coalition unites Scottish universities in climate fight

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:29:00 GMT

A landmark initiative has been launched to bring together Scottish universities to address the climate emergency. Scotland Beyond Net Zero (SBNZ), founded jointly by the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, aims to help the country meet – and go beyond – its ambition of achieving net zero by 2045.

TARGET: A £2.6 centre to train new generation of mineral resources experts

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:33:00 GMT

A new generation of mineral resource experts to enable the UK’s transition to sustainable energy are to be trained by a consortium representing academia and industry, including SUERC: Centre for the Isotope Sciences. The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), part of UK Research and Innovation, have announced £2.6 million to support a multi-institution centre for doctoral training, the Training and Research Group for Energy Transition Mineral Resources (TARGET).

SCCS Launches New CPD Course on Hydrogen

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 15:25:00 BST

A collaboration between SCCS and senior academics in the partnership, including Prof Gioia Falcone, has led to the creation of a brand new CPD course, “An Introduction to Hydrogen for the Public Sector”, specifically designed for the Scottish Government.