At Home with Energy

At Home with Energy

DEI is a world leader on interdisciplinary research across the sciences, social sciences, humanities and engineering and was one of the first truly interdisciplinary energy research institutes in the UK. 

The DEI Energy Day 2024 celebrates 15 years of Durham Energy Institute bringing people together to think differently about energy.  Find out about the cutting edge of energy research here at Durham and join us to think about how we should get to Net Zero.  Come along to take part in the discussion and inform the debate.

Energy Day 2024 will focus on energy and our daily lives. This year's theme, "At Home With Energy," shines a spotlight on the pivotal role of housing and communities in the ongoing energy transition. Domestic heating and cooking is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, but the wide range of households and housing makes changing our heating and cooking practices complicated. As we strive to build a more sustainable future, what kinds of changes should we expect to live with in our homes? And how will we organise the retrofitting of homes for a low-energy future?

This event brings together leading experts, policymakers, and industry professionals to delve into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we will examine emerging technologies, innovations and practices that can empower households, reduce carbon footprints, and pave the way for a more equitable and resilient energy landscape.

Registration for this free public event is essential for catering purposes. 

PROGRAMME

• 9.20-09.50     Refreshments & Registration
• 09.50-09.55   Welcome, Professor Simone Abram, DEI Executive Director
• 09.55-10.05   Opening Remarks
• 10.05-11.05   Panel 1 – Homefront Heroes: Battling Carbon

This session delves into the complex challenge of reducing carbon emissions within our homes. As domestic energy use accounts for a significant portion of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions, transforming how we heat, cook, and power our households is crucial to meeting climate goals. Our panel of experts will explore:

• The current landscape of domestic energy consumption and its environmental impact
• Innovative technologies and practices for home energy efficiency
• The socio-economic factors influencing adoption of low-carbon solutions
• Policy frameworks and incentives to support widespread domestic decarbonisation
• The role of community initiatives in driving change
• Balancing comfort, affordability, and sustainability in home energy transitions

Chair – Professor Simone Abram, DEI Executive Director

Speaker 1 – Michelle Dawson, 13 Group

Speaker 2 – Kate Gilmartin, British Hydropower Association

Speaker 3 - TBC

Speaker 4 – Jennifer Dickie, Scottish Research Alliance for Energy, Homes and Livelihoods, University of Stirling

• 11.05-11.30   Refreshment Break
• 11.30-12.45   Panel 2 – Durham's Homegrown Solutions: Fuelling Fair and Green Futures

This panel showcases innovative approaches to energy challenges developed right here at Durham University. This diverse panel brings together experts from Engineering, Law, and Computer Science and Anthropology, to explore multidisciplinary solutions for a sustainable energy future. Panellists will discuss how their research and initiatives contribute to creating equitable and environmentally friendly energy systems, with a focus on practical applications for homes and communities. Join us to discover how Durham's expertise is shaping the path towards a fairer, greener energy landscape.

Chair – Dr Andrew Crossland (SolarZero, DEI Advisory Board & Professor in Practice)

Speaker 1 – Nima Gerami-Seresht (Engineering)

Speaker 2 – Kim Bouwer (Law)

Speaker 3 – Mayanka Mukherji (Anthropology)

Speaker 4 – Anish Jindal (Computing Sciences)

• 12.45-14.30   Lunch break & Trade Fair
• 14.30-15.30   Panel 3 – Energising the Future: Durham's Strategic Projects

 Join us for an exciting exploration of Durham University's strategic energy and sustainability initiatives. This panel will showcase the major strategic projects that are shaping the future of energy research and sustainable practices at our institution.  In this session, you'll hear brief introductions to several key projects that demonstrate Durham's commitment to addressing global energy challenges and promoting sustainability.

Chair: Professor Joanna Berry, DEI Co-Director & Durham University Business School

Dr Ciara Keating, Department of Engineering, Smart Soils

Dr Simona Capisani, Department of Philosophy, Heritage 360

Dr Nellie Bencomo, Department of Computing Sciences, JusTNOW

• 15.30-16.30   Session 4 – Knowledge Carousel: New Generation Researchers at Durham

Discover the cutting-edge research shaping the future of energy at Durham University. This dynamic panel showcases the innovative work of our early career research fellows at the Durham Energy Institute (DEI). In a fast-paced, carousel-style format, these bright minds will present their ground-breaking projects, offering fresh perspectives on pressing energy challenges.  Join us for an inspiring glimpse into the future of energy research and its potential impact on creating more sustainable, efficient, and equitable home environments.

Chair: Dr Stuart Jones, DEI Co Director & Department of Earth Sciences

Table 1 – Ekanem Bassey, Department of Law - Energy Transition and Legitimate Expectations                              

Table 2 – Kalila Mackenzie, Durham University Business School - Minewater geothermal

Table 3 – Isha Saxena, Department of Engineering - Offshore wind energy

Table 4 – Nora Wuttke, Department of Engineering - Reflecting on multimodal methods in energy research

Table 5 – Shunmin Zhu, Department of Engineering - Hybrid cogeneration systems for single-family homes

Table 6 – Connor Watt, Department of Geography - Industrial legacies and energy security

Table 7 - Ben Campbell, Department of Anthropology - Energy Commons as people's participation in energy transitions

• 16.30-17.10   Keynote speech – Professor Paul Monks, Chief Scientific Officer, introduced by Professor Phil Dyer, DEI Fellow & Department of Chemistry

'Everything, everywhere, all at once - Net Zero and the Home'

Professor Paul Monks is the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). As CSA, he delivers independent and impartial scientific advice to Ministers and policy makers across the DESNZ portfolio. Paul also works closely with the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, other Departmental CSAs, and the department’s Chief Economist, to strengthen the links within and across departments, encouraging effective engagement and knowledge sharing, and to support delivery of a robust evidence base to underpin DESNZ policy decisions. Prior to joining the department, Paul was Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of College of Science and Engineering at the University of Leicester, where he remains a Professor in Atmospheric Chemistry and Earth Observation Science.  

• 17.10-17.15   Closing remarks by Mr Laurence Carpanini, DEI Advisory Board Vice Chair
• 17.15-18.00   Networking drinks reception