Scaling up low-carbon and renewable energy

The journey to net zero and beyond requires a significant increase in the production of low-carbon and renewable energy. But how can we ensure that this transition doesn’t have unintended consequences? That’s part of what our science informs.

Bioenergy
Increasing sustainable biomass production

To meet the UK’s net zero targets, the Climate Change Committee recommends a major expansion of land dedicated to biomass production in the UK by 2050.

Biomass crops, typically fast-growing herbaceous or woody plants such as willow and miscanthus, can be used for a range of purposes including heat, electricity and bio-based products.

If biomass electricity is combined with carbon capture and storage technology in future then this could deliver negative emissions, reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide. However, there are concerns about the sustainability of biomass production and the amount of land that will be needed to deliver this.

UKCEH leads Biomass Connect, a UK-wide, government-funded programme to showcase best practice and drive innovation in sustainable biomass production. Biomass Connect has created eight biomass demonstration sites across the four nations of the UK which support research, stakeholder engagement, and offer real-world insights into biomass crop management.

This contributes evidence to support agricultural and energy policy, de-risks adoption of biomass crops for land managers and will support the required expansion of the UK’s sustainable biomass sector.

Renewable energy production
Understanding its impact on water

UKCEH scientists bring expertise in water quality, ecosystem understanding, the development and implementation of monitoring techniques, and data analysis to assess the potential impacts and unintended consequences of these renewable energy solutions for water quantity and quality, and biodiversity.

Solar energy: Impact of floatovoltaics on reservoir water

UKCEH, in partnership with Lancaster University and the water industry, is studying the effects of floating solar panels, or floatovoltaics, on reservoir ecosystems.

Through in situ monitoring and lab analysis, we’re generating evidence to help companies minimise water quality risks while tackling climate change mitigation and achieving net zero targets.

Geothermal energy: Informing the planning and installation of water source heat pumps

Water source heat pumps (WSHPs) remain underused in the UK despite success abroad.

Building on other countries’ approaches, UKCEH scientists have enhanced the data available for GB lakes in the UK Lakes database to estimate the amount of heat energy in lakes and reservoirs and predict potential ecological impacts from alterations in water temperature.

Our research can inform the planning and installation of WSHPs to ensure their effectiveness and low ecological impact.

Floating solar panels on Langthwaite Reservoir. Photo: Giles Exley

Green hydrogen production:
The case for more research on its impact on water

Our scientists have strong expertise in modelling how human activities affect river flow and water quality at various scales, both in the UK and around the world.

We use a range of models to explore changes in the hydrological cycle, including how future developments could impact water availability. We have experience in process representation, model implementation, and scenario development for future artificial influences in the UK.

When it comes to green hydrogen production, UKCEH can:

Estimate how much water is available for hydrogen production at a regional level.
Model how hydrogen production could affect river flows now and in the future at the catchment scale.
Analyse those impacts seasonally and annually using a range of driving data scenarios, such as different climate and land use change, or a set of different hydrological models.

Our expertise also covers modelling water quality, including the effects of pollution from various sources under changing environmental and social conditions.

Renewable energy production
Understanding its impact on biodiversity

As the UK works towards increasing offshore wind capacity to 50 gigawatts by 2030, understanding and managing the impact on biodiversity is essential to achieving net zero in harmony with nature.

Our scientists apply long-term data, monitoring tools using GPS tracking, and advanced modelling to assess how renewable energy infrastructure may affect biodiversity.

Black-legged kittiwakes.

Offshore wind energy and seabird conservation

The UKCEH-led ECOWINGS project is developing evidence-based tools to support the sustainable growth of offshore wind energy in the UK North Sea.

By studying seabird species like puffins and kittiwakes, the project assesses ecological impacts, tests strategic compensation measures and models solutions that balance renewable energy targets with long-term biodiversity protection.

Our research aims to produce solutions to protect and increase populations.

Atlantic puffins on the Isle of May. Photos: Mark Newell