Birmingham Energy Institute

We are focused on creating technology and guiding policy which will shape the energy solutions of tomorrow.

Pathways for Local Heat Delivery Policy Commission

To achieve Net Zero by 2050 the British policy on heat decarbonisation needs a reset. Low carbon-heating is an inherently local problem and this policy commission, chaired by Sir John Armitt examines all the components that are required to deliver a local heat solution and the barriers that need removing.

Changing the way we deliver, consume and think about energy

Nationally Recognised Centres of Excellence

  • Energy storage

    Research at the Birmingham Centre for Energy Storage (BCES) explores how energy storage, particularly thermal and cryogenic energy-based technologies, coupled with appropriate policy, could play an important role in delivering an integrated energy system.

  • Nuclear education and research

    The Birmingham Centre for Nuclear Education and Research brings together a multidisciplinary team from across the University to tackle fundamental nuclear industry problems. The Centre is making a significant investment in the areas of Nuclear Engineering, Waste Management and Decommissioning.

  • Strategic elements and critical materials

    Experts within the Birmingham Centre for Strategic Element and Critical Materials are developing new science to address the challenges posed by supply constraints on strategic and critical elements. We are working on the development of new recycling processes to enable the recovery of critical materials from end of life products, mining wastes and even road dust.

  • Fuel cell and hydrogen research

    Our research at the Birmingham Centre for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Research is driving both the technology and thinking required to solve some of the challenges facing the UK, as it seeks to develop sustainable solutions to the designing of future cities, energy and transportation.

Nationally-leading Research Areas

  • The cold economy

    Effective cooling is essential to preserve food and medicine. It underpins industry and economic growth, is key to sustainable urbanisation but is energy intensive. Our research in this area explores the technology and the societal, business and financial models needed to deliver sustainable cooling for all.

  • Transport systems

    The transport sector is one of the world’s largest consumers of energy and at present is heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Our engineering and environmental scientists are researching alternative energy sources and optimising efficiency whilst investigating the resilience of the UK transport network to climate change.

  • Environmental and energy economics and management

    This centre brings together individuals from a variety of disciplines to examine the complex relationship between economic activity and the environment. The geographic scope of the centre's interests and activities are as global as the environmental issues themselves.

  • Research publications

    We regularly produce videos, brochures and research that analyse the major challenges in the energy sector. Our publications set out practical steps for changing the way we deliver, consume and think about energy.

Working with Industry

  • Tyseley Energy Park

    The BEI is supporting Tyseley Energy Park’s mission is to transform clean energy innovation in Birmingham and the West Midlands region. We are applying our research and working with industry to deliver low and zero carbon power, transport, heat and waste for a greener, cleaner, healthier Birmingham.

  • ATETA

    The ATETA project offers funded support from the BEI across a range of technical disciplines. The project enables businesses to access world-class expertise and laboratory facilities for testing and evaluation.

  • Climate Innovation Platform

    The BEI in partnership with the Energy Systems Catapult, is looking for business committed to driving energy technology innovation to join the Climate Innovation Platform (CIP). Supported by HSBC UK, CIP offers businesses a package of tailored support to drive the commercialisation of innovative energy products and services.

  • Energy Incubation Hub

    The Energy Incubation Hub offers integrated packages of support to drive business growth amongst low-carbon energy businesses. These exciting, new initiatives bring together the office and workshop space available at TEP with and the energy expertise and research facilities of the University of Birmingham.

Making an impact

  • Powering Birmingham

    The BEI is working in partnership with stakeholders across the city of Birmingham, exploring bold and coordinated approaches to tackling energy-related challenges and drive the change needed, providing academic leadership and support.

  • Influencing policy

    The BEI draws on the broad capabilities and expertise at the University of Birmingham and its strong relationship with collaborators from academia and industry, to produce studies and policy documents addressing the challenges facing today’s energy system.

  • Birmingham Energy Innovation Centre

    The £8.5m Birmingham Energy Innovation Centre (BEIC) has been designed to promote innovation in waste, energy, and low carbon vehicle systems. Located at Tyseley Energy Park, the BEIC is helping deliver a greener and cleaner ecosystem for Birmingham and the West Midlands.

  • National Centre for the Decarbonisation of Heat

    The decarbonisation of heat is the major energy challenge that the UK faces over the coming decades and for the West Midlands region, this presents a major opportunity.

  • Education

    Group of three post-graduate students

    Technology and policy offer key routes for the delivery of transformational change. However, without the creation of talent and skills, the capacity to deliver the change is missing. The BEI has developed a range of educational programmes, with a track record of delivering quality graduates to create a talent pipeline.