Is the UK making the most of its sustainable resources?

Its been an interesting few weeks with major announcements on energy development in the UK coming out thick and fast. The latest is that carbon capture and storage is going to be re-awakened. This method, provided power stations take the technology further than just being CCS "ready", will pipe carbon dioxide waste gas from power stations to underground reservoirs hopefully locking the gas away from the atmosphere. This comes in the wake of an announcement that Horizon will not, with its current partners, be taking forward major nuclear developments. What is clear is that the UK needs to change the way it is currently operating if we are to maintain a lifestyle and infrastructure to current levels and there are several untapped options open to help us meet our energy needs.

The UK has great energy potential in hydroelectricity, biomass, anaerobic digestion, offshore and onshore wind, solar, tidal and wave energy. The UK has a large and craggy coastline offering some of the best tidal barrage and tidal stream potential in the world. I am struck that the UK not only has excellent sustainable energy potential but a fantastic skills base in engineering and manufacturing to exploit it with the minimum impact to our ecology and environment.

Understanding the environment that these technology systems operate in is vital to the efficiency and environmental impact. This semester we have been privileged to welcome experts to the Hub on issues of offshore power management, fuel cell development, green IT, sustainable construction and water pollution. Running these events I realised the role the Hub was playing in bringing strands of sustainable development together and the opportunity to bring people together. I am therefore encouraged as I focus my attention on the launch of a series of talks and courses for businesses and organisations on technology, sustainability and materials development that we are doing our part to support the sectors that will play a vital role in keeping our lights on!

Dr Sharon George
Hub Manager