Sustainability research – Transport

13 December 2021

University research is helping to make transport greener, more efficient and more sustainable using innovative and creative approaches to mapping, vehicles, fuel and materials.

How universities are addressing the challenge of developing greener and more efficient transport

University of Birmingham – investing in energy innovation

Quality-related (QR) research funding has been invested in a facility that is driving innovative energy technologies alongside Government and industry. The Tyesley Energy Park (TEP) energy innovation zone is shaping Birmingham’s future infrastructure for renewable heat and power, energy storage, clean transport fuels and advanced waste processing.

University of Sheffield – fuels for sustainable aviation

A new centre to lead research, innovation and commercial testing of sustainable aviation fuels will be the first of its kind in the UK. It will be the first centre in the UK able to capture CO₂, produce green hydrogen, convert them into sustainable aviation fuels and analyse their performance at the same location.

Newcastle University – scaling up electric transport

Collaborative research in electric transport is part of a national network of four cutting-edge Driving the Electric Revolution Industrialisation Centres, at the forefront of global efforts to develop the cars, planes and ships of the future.

Cardiff University and University of Manchester – turning waste into fuel

Cardiff University and the University of Manchester are partnering with BP and Johnson Matthey in a £9m project that aims to convert CO2, waste and sustainable biomass into clean and sustainable fuels and products that can be used across the energy and transportation sectors.

University of Cambridge – path to net zero flight

The Aviation Impact Accelerator (AIA), launched at COP26, brings together experts in aerospace, economics, policy, and climate science, to build an interactive evidence-based simulator to explore scenarios for achieving net zero flight.

University of Southampton – mapping potential for solar energy

A PhD student and entrepreneurial engineer has developed software that creates a 3D virtual city showing the levels of solar radiation on rooves throughout the year, to instantly see which buildings are most suitable for solar energy systems.

Related case studies

QR investment in infrastructure helps businesses grow

Queen Mary University of London has used 'quality-related' funding to create the largest purpose-built lab space for rent in London.

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University of Oxford – modelling risks to infrastructure

The University of Oxford’s Environmental Change Institute has developed modelling tools to help decision-makers identify risks from climate-related infrastructure failure and build long-term resilience. Their approach has also been adopted internationally and by UK Government bodies.

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