Energy Security

Leading energy systems renewable transformation
Energy Security
Energy security has been heavily impacted by the post-pandemic economy and geo-political impacts of Russian invasion on Ukraine. Dependency on a reliable flow of affordable energy is crucial in the time of insecurity of global oil and gas markets.

British Energy Security Strategy proposes to accelerate the UK towards a low-carbon, energy-independent future.
At Plymouth, our expertise in offshore renewable energy (ORE) research and innovation presents opportunities to be at the forefront of developments in a sustainable energy supply.
World-leading researchers alongside substantial investment in state-of-the-art facilities means we are accelerating the development of wave, tidal and offshore wind technologies nationally and internationally. One of the ways in which we are also cementing the UK’s position as a global leader in ORE is through our leadership of the flagship project Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy Hub. 
In addition, the University of Plymouth and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult have agreed to establish a new Collaborative Offshore Renewable Energy Subsea Systems (COSS) research accelerator to tackle some of the key engineering challenges to accelerating the roll-out of new technologies.  
Our expertise and collaborative research efforts inform the development of sector strategies which in turn impact policy, as evidenced in the comprehensive review of the UK wave energy sector, increasing awareness amongst decision makers to rapidly advance the growth of the sector.
 

What is energy security?

Professor Deborah Greaves OBE FREng – Director of the Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy – delves into the critical issue of energy security and the importance of offshore renewable technologies within a cleaner, greener energy mix for the future. 
Is it possible to achieve uninterrupted availability of energy at an affordable price, and keep the lights on? Deborah introduces how leading research and facilities at the University of Plymouth are being applied to address this global challenge.
 

Harnessing the oceans' energy

From exploring innovative offshore renewable energy technologies to studying energy storage solutions and assessing the resilience of energy infrastructure, our researchers are at the forefront of tackling critical issues in energy security.
Photo credit: Øyvind Gravås – Equinor

Cornwall Floating Offshore Wind Accelerator

CPRG high tide

TIGER (Tidal Stream Industry Energiser)

wave

WEDUSEA

Our state-of-the-art laboratories, testing facilities, and simulation suites create a unique ecosystem and a definitive place to test, trial and deploy renewable energy technology.

COAST laboratory

Maritime Simulation Laboratory

Babbage Building
UKFOWTT

UK Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Test (UKFOWTT) facility

cyber-SHIP lab

Cyber-SHIP Lab

Offshore wind farm

Cyber-Resilience of Offshore Wind Networks (CROWN)

USV Cetus & Falcon Spirit

Autonomous Marine Systems

Sub-sonic wind tunnel, Energy and Sustainability Laboratory, Babbage Building

Energy and Sustainability Laboratory

Hexapod

Heavy Structures and Geotechnics Laboratory

 

Meet us at the Ocean Tech Expo

Ocean Tech Expo 2024
We are hosting the Ocean Tech Expo, a Maritime UK South West event driving technology development for the sustainable exploitation of the rapidly growing ocean economy.
26–27 June 2024 | Plymouth
Ocean Tech Expo showcases cutting-edge technical capabilities and innovations aimed at decarbonising and increasing productivity in various offshore activities. The event features over 60 speakers across two days and focuses on applications relevant to the South West region, including offshore wind and renewables, defence, aquaculture, fishing, and maritime sector decarbonisation. 
Find out more and book your place 
 

Explore our areas of expertise

Work with us

Celtic Sea floating offshore wind

Driving renewable energy innovation and skills agenda

Energy Innovation and Skills Generator is a programme of support for floating offshore wind (FLOW) project developers and their supply chains to stimulate innovation and skills in marine and offshore technologies, and to de-risk and optimise their operations.
Deep Trekker technology and innovation
Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy

Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy 

In response to climate change imperatives, we are bringing 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, the Centre 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.