Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy

Driving University strategy to deliver sustainable solutions to global problems
Abstract image of a hand holding planet earth with symbols around it. 
The Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy (C-DORE) brings together a critical mass of leading research and expertise from across the University of Plymouth. Through co-creation and collaboration with partners from business, government and key communities from across the globe, it aims to be a beacon for the University’s whole-system transdisciplinary approach to solutions-oriented research, accelerating sustainable developments in decarbonisation and renewable energy.
In response to climate change imperatives, C-DORE’s work aligns to the UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy, British Energy Security Strategy and Clean Maritime Plan. Strongly positioned to build on the leading role the University enjoys nationally and internationally through research and teaching, the Centre will support the substantial opportunity the city and region now has to engage with the agendas for the South West. Its contribution will be central to capitalising on new developments planned in the Celtic Sea, and the subsequent economic benefit through jobs and growth in the supply chain.

Overarching research themes

Areas of expertise

Ocean energy sector as contribution towards carbon neutrality (OcEn)

Using a comparative approach, OcEn will conduct a much-needed assessment of ocean renewable energy projects and provide opportunities to address governance, societal, environmental, and technological issues that have previously impacted project outcomes in various countries.
Alongside this work, OcEn will train nine PhD students through international supervision, allowing them to benefit from diverse mentorship styles and global career paths.
OcEn
Celtic Sea floating offshore wind

Key partnerships

ORE Supergen Hub

The Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy Hub

Led by the University of Plymouth, the EPSRC-funded Hub is addressing technical, environmental and interdisciplinary challenges through collaboration, cementing the UK's position as a global leader in offshore renewable energy.

Latest news and events

Celtic Sea floating offshore wind
Ambitious study to explore effects of offshore wind farms on ocean life

Researchers from the University are involved in a new £3.5m project centred around the potential impacts of FLOW developments in the Celtic Sea

4 December 2024

Inspiring innovation in offshore renewable energy

The University of Plymouth has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards at the Times Higher Education Awards 2024.
It is in the running for the Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership category, recognising its world-leading research and leadership in offshore renewable energy. And it has made the shortlist in the Outstanding Estates Team category, following a period of significant investment and transformation right across the University campus.
The THE Awards attract hundreds of entries each year that exemplify the talent, innovation and commitment of individuals and teams across all aspects of university life. The winners will be announced at a ceremony taking place in November 2024 at the ICC in Birmingham.
THE Awards 2024 - Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership shortlist
 
Tamar Bridge looking towards Cornwall
 
We attended the All-Energy Exhibition and Conference in Glasgow, the meeting place for the renewable and low-carbon energy community.
All-Energy is the largest event in the UK that promotes low-carbon energy and renewable energy supply chains. The main objective of this event is to unite the renewable energy community for two days of uninterrupted business, networking, and creating new connections. The co-located Dcarbonise event is specifically designed for energy end-users in both the private and public sectors.
All-Energy
 

Forum on Innovative Development of Ocean New Energy in the New Era: Importance of offshore wind to address climate change

Professor Lars Johanning Chair in Ocean Technology at the University of Plymouth has given a key note speech at ‘The Forum on Innovative Development of Ocean New Energy in the New Era’, held in Sanya, Hainan, China on 9th to 11th January 2024.
The Forum focused on the exchange of academic thoughts and cutting-edge achievements in offshore renewable energy development in China and globally. Topics discussed were dedicated to strengthen the deep cross-disciplinary integration of ocean engineering and related disciplines, promote leading research, and industrial development of offshore renewable energy, and building a platform for catalysing ground breaking ideas. This symposium was visited by over 100 leading researchers and included an opening ceremony, key note speeches, plenary sessions, a forum for female scientists, and a forum for young scholars.
Lars Johanning presenting at a conference in China
 

People

 

Facilities

State-of-the-art facilities and kit underpin much of C-DORE’s work