"International and national assessments agree that practical solutions to the climate crisis will involve increased use of renewable energy sources, storing the energy effectively, and using it efficiently. Only by doing this can we supply everyone in the world with the energy services needed to live well and to stop climate change".
Professor Patrick Grant, Oxford Pro VC (Research) and Oxford Materials scientist
The University of Oxford launched The ZERO Institute on Wednesday, 23 March 2022. Bringing together leading academics from a range of disciplines, the Institute will address the questions surrounding zero-carbon energy systems and their implementation, with the goal of accelerating the transition to a zero-carbon energy system. Achieving this requires systems thinking as well as the development and adoption of new technologies and infrastructure. In addition, innovation will be required in business models, institutions, policy and society.
The transition from carbon-based energy to zero-carbon energy will play a crucial role in achieving the Paris Agreement's global warming limits. Currently, more than 70% of the greenhouse gases responsible for a changing climate come from converting and using energy.
ZERO will build on the University's extensive energy research activities, which span more than 20 departments and 200 researchers. It aims to establish Oxford as a centre of research excellence and thought leadership on a global and equitable zero-carbon transition, and has secured a £3.25M investment from the University's Strategic Research Fund.
Associate Professor Robert Weatherup of this department and Associate Professor Radhika Khosla from the Smith School of Enterprise and Environment form the academic leadership, together with the Convenor for Oxford Energy, Dr Robin Morris.
"In complexity and reach, the zero-carbon transition will be a change of the same magnitude as the Industrial Revolution".
Professor Martin McCulloch, Department of Engineering Science