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Energy Futures Lab is a focal point for multi-disciplinary energy research across Imperial College London.

Energy Futures Lab is a focal point for multi-disciplinary research across Imperial College London, coordinating research support, a distinguished education programme and an extensive network of energy researchers. Developing a sustainable energy supply is a challenge that will define our generation. Energy Futures Lab is addressing this issue through the support and funding of energy research acr

oss Imperial College London. Through interdisciplinary research, a distinguished education programme and our extensive network of postgraduate researchers we are promoting advances in our understanding and expertise in energy technology.

27/01/2025

🎙️ New Podcast Episode: Heat Pumps – Heating Low-Carbon Homes

In our latest episode, Cait Hewitt, Policy and Engagement Officer at the Grantham Institute - Climate Change and the Environment is joined by two leading voices in the energy sector:
• Dr. Jan Rosenow, Director of European Programmes at the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP)
• Maxwell Waddingham, Senior Heating Design Engineer at Good Energy

Together, they explore:
• How heat pumps work and why they matter for the low-carbon transition
• The challenges and opportunities in scaling up heat pump technology
• Policies needed to make heat pumps a mainstream choice
• The importance of public attitudes, skilled installers, and trusted brands in driving adoption

With Dr. Rosenow’s decades of expertise in energy policy and Max’s hands-on experience in heat pump installations, this episode delivers a rich mix of strategic insight and practical knowledge.

20/01/2025

📢 New episode of the Energy Futures Podcast!

Imperial PhD student Fater Akuhwa sits down with Professor Tim Green to explore the rapidly evolving world of energy systems, focusing on grid co-design and renewable energy integration.

Professor Green, an expert in electrical and electronic engineering, shares insights on:
• The challenges of maintaining grid stability without synchronous generators
• The roles of grid forming and grid following in modern energy systems
• Imperial College’s sustainability strategy and the journey toward a low-carbon campus
• Data-led stability analysis for inverter-dominated grids
• The future of energy systems and integrating variable renewable energy sources

This episode dives into the technical and strategic aspects of our energy transition.

🎧 🎥 links in bio

13/01/2025

New Episode: Energy Futures Podcast 🎙️

In our latest episode, Jonny is joined by Richard Black, Director of Policy and Strategy at to explore the exciting future of energy, the zero-carbon transition and his fascinating career journey from climate journalism to shaping global energy policy.

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/energy-futures-podcast/id1767778269?i=1000683739010

💡 Highlights from our conversation:
• The vital role of think tanks like Ember in driving global energy transformation.
• Why clear communication is essential for navigating the energy transition.
• Reflections on how climate policy has evolved and the rise of global clean energy movements.
• Richard’s inspiring journey from BBC science correspondent to energy policy expert.
• Key insights from his latest book, The Future of Energy, which paints an optimistic vision for a sustainable energy future.

06/01/2025

Podcast Episode Spotlight: London Climate Technology Show 2024
In this episode, we’re taking you to the heart of ClimateTech—an inspiring hub of innovation and collaboration.

Listen: https://lnkd.in/eMTVb3hh

Panel 1: Innovation for Sustainability—Technology’s Role in Achieving Net Zero.
Our first panel brought together leading voices in clean energy and innovation:
- Naomi Weir, Director of Innovation, CBI (Confederation of British Industry) Industry
- Chris Coonick, Innovation Management Office Director, National Grid
- Luke Ames Blackaby, Head of Innovation Hub, Ofgem
- Michael Green, Founder and Strategy Director, Luna 9
- Philip Jarvis, CEO, Coomtech Clean Technologies Ltd
- Ioannis Kasinopoulos, Co-founder and CEO, Electryone AI

The discussion unpacked how cutting-edge technologies are accelerating the journey to net zero, focusing on scalability, collaboration, and cross-industry innovation.

Panel 2: Balancing Financial and Environmental Performance in Global EcoFunds.
The second panel explored the intersection of sustainability and financial strategy:
- Martyn Link, Managing Director, Link Advisory Services Ltd
- Eman Adel, Sustainable Energy Expert, Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE)
- Mark Campanale, Founder and Executive Director, Carbon Tracker
- Jim Totty, Managing Director, Viridis Capital Ltd
- Satyajit Mohanan, Projects Coordinator, Cambridge Cleantech
- Catherine Barber, Assistant Director of Environment & Energy, Greater London Authority

Although we captured only the first half, the conversation provided valuable insights into navigating compliance challenges and unlocking sustainable investment opportunities.

Exhibition Highlights
We also explored the exhibition floor, where groundbreaking solutions took center stage. From National Grid’s latest innovations to transformative projects by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the event showcased the future of climate technology in action.

Photos by

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30/12/2024

🎙 New Episode: Insights from the Resilient Renewable Society Summit 2024

This week on the Energy Futures Podcast, we take you to the heart of a critical conversation on resilience and sustainability. Recorded live at the Resilient Renewable Society Summit 2024 at London. This episode dives into two thought-provoking panel discussions and an exclusive interview.

Listen: link in bio.

Panel 1: Coping with Catastrophic Events
Moderated by Dr Paul Stockton former Assistant Secretary of Defence for Homeland Defence in the USA, this discussion addresses the energy sector’s preparedness for Black Sky events—rare but devastating disruptions. Joining the panel are:
• Ben Kuchta Group Resilience Improvement Manager, National Grid , UK
• Jim Robb President and CEO, NERC,USA
• Bronwyn Bullen, Head of Organisational Resilience, UK Power Networks
• Lili Colon Principal Deputy Director, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

The panel explores interconnected threats, the critical role of energy infrastructure, and the governance needed for a resilient energy future.

Panel 2: Turning the Grid Green
Moderated by Dr. Chris Beck, Chief Scientist and VP of Policy at the EIS Council this discussion tackles the challenges of transforming energy systems to combat climate change. Speakers include:
• Amos Lasker Managing Partner, Amrav Investment, Israel
• Ivan Savov, FARPI CRPS Chairman, European Risk Policy Institute, Bulgaria
• Professor Yoav Yair Dean, School of Sustainability, Reichman University.

The conversation highlights grid modernisation, sustainable investments and the advancements powering a greener future.

Interview with Prof. Yoav Yair
In an inspiring one-on-one conversation, we spoke with Professor Yair, a pioneer in atmospheric science and sustainability education. From experiments on the International Space Station to shaping the future of sustainable education, his insights bridge the gap between science, technology and resilience.

23/12/2024

New Episode: Climate Change Science

In this special episode, recorded live at the Sustainable Energy Futures Annual Conference 2024, we feature Sir David King Head of the

Sir David shares his expert insights during his closing remarks and a follow-up interview, addressing some of the most pressing climate challenges of our time.

Key highlights include:
• The history of climate science and its modern implications
• The urgent need for climate interventions, including re-freezing the poles
• The role of young professionals in the energy transition
• Insights on global climate policy and the COP process

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about tackling the climate crisis and driving the transition to a sustainable future.

Listen now: link in bio

Edoardo Taricco

17/12/2024

Could thermal battery technology be the key to zero-carbon grids?

In the latest episode of the Energy Futures Podcast, we speak with Rayan Kassis, Co-Founder and CEO of Aed Energy about the critical role of advanced battery solutions in achieving a sustainable energy future. With decades of experience and over 9GW of operational projects worldwide, Rayan shares insights into the UK’s energy challenges, the importance of long-duration storage, and how Aed Energy’s innovative thermal battery technology could transform global energy systems.

Rayan also shares his experience on the Undaunted programme, delivered by the and how it has supported Aed Energy’s journey in driving innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.

Links in bio.

, College

14/12/2024

Congratulations to Anna Korre and the success of the SCOPE research showcase.

Yesterday marked the culmination of the Sustainable OPEration of Post-combustion Capture plants (SCOPE) project. Over the past three years, this ACT-funded initiative has made significant strides in addressing critical knowledge gaps in carbon capture technology, contributing to the decarbonisation of industries such as cement, steel and waste incineration.

The showcase brought together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to share insights on emissions control, regulatory frameworks, and environmental impact assessments. Key highlights included:
• Pilot plant testing results and emissions mitigation strategies
• Guidelines for CO₂ capture plants
• Regulatory insights from partner countries across Europe, the UK, and beyond

Through collaboration, research and the engagement of stakeholders via the SPRINT network, SCOPE has laid a strong foundation for advancing Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS). These efforts will help overcome barriers to deployment, ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future for industrial operations.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to SCOPE’s success and to those who joined us for this final event. Together, we are shaping the future of emissions management and making net zero a reality.

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26/11/2024

Future thinking: From NEOM to National Grid

New podcast- link in bio

In the latest episode of the Energy Futures Podcast, we’re joined by Cathy McClay FREng, a leading voice in the energy industry with over 25 years of experience. From her time at National Grid to her work at ENOWA Cathy shares insights into some of the most ambitious energy projects in the world.

We explore:
• Building a fully renewable energy system at NEOM, including a 2.1 GW pumped storage project in the Saudi desert
• Lessons learned from integrating sustainability and flexibility into global energy systems
• Her transition from academia to industry leadership
• Advice for young professionals looking to shape the future of energy

Listen now to hear Cathy’s perspective on what’s next for the sector and how we can work together to drive innovation and sustainability forward.

19/11/2024

Natural Gas Markets and Grid Reliability

Contracts for transportation capacity, competing uses of natural gas and grid reliability during winter storms
The increasing dependence of the electric power sector on natural gas poses vulnerabilities caused by competition for scarce pipeline capacity that are especially pronounced when both heating and electricity needs spike. During extreme cold weather events in the U.S., pipeline deliveries to distribution companies serving heating customers receive the highest priority of service, while natural gas-fired generators may have their service curtailed regardless of contractual priority. This creates grid reliability challenges that are expected to become more prominent, as electricity consumption in U.S. residences grows while natural gas consumption for space heating declines through 2050. In her talk, Chiara Lo Prete will discuss this pressing problem and present modeling results quantifying the potential benefits of prioritizing gas to power plants during winter emergencies in the Northeastern U.S.

Link in bio

Speaker
Chiara Lo Prete is Associate Professor of Energy Economics in the John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. Her research centers on the economics of energy markets, focusing on the areas of competition and design of electricity markets, natural gas market design to enhance grid reliability, geopolitics and energy security, and the impacts of environmental regulations on electric power generation. She and her team develop mathematical models and apply empirical methods to study electricity market structures for resource adequacy and wind energy integration, interdependent natural gas and electric power systems, the weaponization of electricity trade, emission leakage and cross-product manipulation. Before joining Penn State, Lo Prete was a Ziff Environmental Fellow at Harvard University. She earned a B.A. in Economics (summa cm laude) from LUISS University, an M.A. in Energy Economics from the Scuola Mattei, and a M.S. and Ph.D. in Geography and Environmental Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University.

Address

Imperial College London
London
SW72AZ

Opening Hours

Monday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	9am - 4:30pm

Website

http://www.imperial.ac.uk/energy-futures-lab

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Our Story

Energy Futures Lab is an institute of Imperial College London founded in 2005 to develop multidisciplinary, cross-faculty collaborations to tackle the broad range of energy challenges that the world faces.

Developing a sustainable energy supply is a challenge that will define our generation. Energy Futures Lab is a focal point for energy research across Imperial College London, coordinating research support, providing a distinguished education programme and supporting an extensive network of energy researchers.

As a team of dedicated professionals we assist in building connections, coordinating projects and highlighting successes at the College.