Birmingham Decarbonisation Summer School 2025: Building the Future of Net Zero

The Electrical Power and Control Systems research group within the School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, has celebrated the resounding success of the Birmingham Decarbonisation Summer School (BDSS) 2025, held from 16–19 June, under the theme “Accelerating Energy Transition towards Net Zero”.

Empowering Talent & Industry

BDSS 2025 brought 25 participants including Masters students, PhD candidates, and early-career researchers and engineers from seven universities and three industry utilities. Over the course of three days of workshops and pitching — along with the fourth-day HVDC forum — participants received invaluable insights into decarbonisation technologies and solutions to practical Net-Zero challenges raised by SSEN Transmission.

Industry-Led Insights

With over 25 speakers and judges from key institutions like DESNZ, NESO, National Grid, SSEN Transmission, SP Energy Networks, GE Vernova, Energy Systems Catapult, and EPRI, attendees gained cutting-edge knowledge on system operations, grid automation, HVDC and power electronics, energy quality, EDI, strategic planning, pitch development, and teamwork.

Final Pitch & Post-competition Forum

On the final pitching day, five multidisciplinary teams pitched innovative solutions to a panel of industry judges. Group 4 – SPEED (Smart Pulse Energy Electricity Distribution) was awarded the top prize for their advanced pitch on smart-grid applications. The awards ceremony was followed by closing remarks from Professor Xiao‑Ping Zhang, reinforcing the crucial role of collaboration and creativity in achieving Net Zero.

The post-competition forum - 2025 Future Energy Systems Forum on “Advanced HVDC Technologies and Engineering Applications in Accelerating Net-Zero Energy Transition”, enabled all participants to gain valuable insights on the vital solution of facilitating Energy Transition (HVDC).

Feedback and Impact

Participant feedback was overwhelming: many commented they:

BDSS 2025 participants

“...Gained valuable insights into the current status of new energy development in the UK... and valued "the opportunity to hear from industry experts and learn about challenges that were previously unknown to me.”

Our post-event survey revealed:

Technical & soft‑skills development: 92% of participants reported substantial benefits
Expectation fulfilment: 96% felt BDSS met or exceeded expectations
Future demand: 85% expressed interest in a follow-up event

Comments and Values

A cohort of 15 organisers and volunteers from University of Birmingham, Imperial College London, UCL, CIGRE UK, and IEEE PES UK&I ensured a seamless and impactful event.

Professor Xiao‑Ping Zhang
Chair of BDSS

“Our major motivation for initiating BDSS 2025 is providing a platform for UK students, early career researchers and engineers to learn from and network with industry experts to facilitate academia-industry collaborations, and we are delighted to see these young talents really enjoyed all sessions!”

Dr Bless Kuri
Lead Industry Partner of BDSS, Director of Strategic Energy Planning at SSEN Transmission

“I was deeply impressed by the participants’ innovative thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and commitment to developing practical, scalable solutions for a Net Zero future. This initiative not only fostered meaningful academia-industry engagement, but also highlighted the importance of equipping emerging talent with the technical and strategic skills needed to drive decarbonisation forward.”

Dr Nan Chen
Co‑Chair and Coordinator

“We appreciate all co‑organisers and sponsors, Birmingham Energy Institute, ERA, etc., who have brought everyone together and made this successful event happen!”

Dr Xin Ma
Postdoctoral researcher and local supporter

“Through co‑organising BDSS, I have strengthened my skills in communication, organisation and networking, as well as keeping my Net‑Zero related knowledge up‑to‑date!", demonstrating BDSS’s value in doctoral training with the support and guidance from ERA.”

A Legacy of Connection and Capability

BDSS 2025 has strengthened the University of Birmingham’s position as a leader in clean energy education and research, and catalysed enduring partnerships across academia and industry. Participants leave equipped with new skills, professional networks, and inspiration to drive Net Zero solutions forward.

With strong support from the Birmingham Energy Institute, ERA, and other partners, BDSS continues to support the UK’s carbon transition and nurture the next generation of energy innovators.