Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Cranfield’s expertise in energy and sustainability covers a range of the potential energy solutions for a sustainable future. We inform the energy and sustainability industry and government policy because our expertise is world-renowned for both the engineering and management of energy solutions. Our research is making a difference in the sector including the cutting edge of renewable energy technologies.

Energy consumption and emissions

The University monitors and tracks its consumption of energy and emissions and has set goals to reduce use. We are committed to ensuring we evolve in a sustainable manner. All new buildings and major refurbishments aim to meet BREEAM requirements – our 'Masterplan' sets out the framework for long-term investment in sustainable infrastructure.

Examples include the successful implementation of a project supported by the UK Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to install a large air source heat pump. We have also extended our solar farm and added two more buildings to the district heating system, installed more LED lights and a large battery to improve energy efficiency. Cranfield secured a grant to insulate two existing aircraft hangars and is switching them to being heated by low temperature district heating system. Find out more on our carbon and energy management pages.

Research

A few of our many research examples from 2021/22 include:

• Funding to research clean hydrogen generation from biomass: the technology would allow biomass – organic products such as wood, grasses or used brewery hops – to be used to generate hydrogen while capturing CO₂ emissions at the same time.
• Solar power and desalination to be efficiently linked for first time: in a new project Cranfield will join 19 research partners spread through 12 countries to develop a first-of-its-kind plant which couples concentrated solar power (CSP) and desalination techniques.

Our ocean systems test laboratory is specifically designed for model testing at the early stage of marine renewable projects. The combination of wave and towing capabilities, in addition to a team with expertise in hydrodynamics and turbomachinery, enables us to cater for the particular needs of the marine renewable energy industry (wave, tidal and offshore wind).

Public outreach

We launched a collection of 'Climate Hero' videos on This Is Engineering Day in 2021. The collection showcases some of the great work taking place at Cranfield with Peter Clough's video talking about alternative/clean energy sources.

We ran an online webinar with the STEM ambassador network (via STEM point east) for 500+ local school-aged pupils, where we discussed the topics in an interactive format, introducing the maths and science and the possible practical actions pupils could take (or encourage to be taken by their parents) to reduce their energy use and impact on the climate.

Support for industry

During the year we offered training programmes and workshops to help local businesses with improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions and energy use and adopting clean energy. We were able to offer this free at the point of access, working with local councils in Milton Keynes and Central Bedfordshire (the Ready for Net Zero Growth programme). These programmes have been sponsored by our partner organisations and have resulted in energy and carbon audits, and subsequent carbon reduction plans for each of the SMEs supported.

Support for government

Cranfield is a member of the Energy Research Accelerator (ERA). ERA has played a vital role in the development of the Midlands Engine’s ‘Ten Point Plan for Green Growth’ to accelerate the Midlands and UK towards net zero. Through the plan, the Midlands is aiming to deliver a 36% reduction in CO₂ emissions from current regional levels. Find out more on the Midlands Innovation website.

International collaboration

Cranfield is a member of the research consortium for the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling & Cold Chain (ACES) project. ACES aims to accelerate the uptake of sustainable cooling and cold chain solutions in agriculture and health sectors in Africa. Developed by Rwanda and UK governments, the UN Environment Programme and the UK's Centre for Sustainable Cooling, it will also lead to greater energy efficiency.

Cranfield’s expertise in energy and sustainability covers a range of the potential energy solutions for a sustainable future. We inform the energy and sustainability industry and government policy because our expertise is world-renowned for both the engineering and management of energy solutions. Our research is making a difference in the sector including the cutting edge of renewable energy technologies.

The University monitors and tracks its consumption of energy and emissions and has set goals to reduce use.

During 2021 we provided assistance to start-ups, for example, through the 18-week Ready for Net Zero Growth programme, which helps companies to embed their Net Zero ambitions within their growth plans.

Thanks to funding from the Community Renewal Fund and in partnership with our Local Enterprise Partnership, SEMLEP, all SMEs in North and West Northamptonshire were able to apply to attend a fully-funded course to increase the sustainability of their business under the Energy Green Recovery and Innovation Programme (GRIP).