Renewable and sustainable energy research addresses some of the most pressing issues of the 21st century: combating climate change, responding to dwindling resources, and addressing inequality in access to energy. 

Our renewable energy lab is used by researchers, PhD candidates and students in the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering

We use modelling software and physical equipment including ground mounted solar panels, a solid oxide fuel cell CHP plant, and high-efficiency lithium ion batteries. We explore the generation and storage of sustainable power that can help the decarbonisation of power production, and the development of carbon capture technologies, which can reduce human contributions to climate change.

We’re looking at sources of renewable energy including wind, solar and hydro power, and considering their potential on a global scale. We’re supporting businesses as they embrace a more sustainable power market, and preparing our graduates for informed careers in the sector.

Equipment 

The Renewable Energy Lab has equipment including:

  • New solid oxide fuel cells, operating at over 85% system efficiency, which have already exported over 9800 KWh to the national grid and saved more than 1300 kg of carbon dioxide emissions over approximately 2 years
  • Small electrolyser
  • Tesla batteries
  • Fuel cell trainer
  • Remote controlled hydrogen fuel cell car
  • Renewable energy trainer on solar PV

Study Renewable Energy Engineering to be part of a future facing up to climate change

Studying for a degree in renewable energy means finding solutions to the biggest threat to our planet. Watch to learn more about the subjects you'll study, the facilities you'll use, and the growing industry you'll be equipped to join when you graduate.

Climate change is the biggest threat to our planet. With a degree in Renewable Energy Engineering from the University of Portsmouth, you'll enter into a vital industry focused on solutions that are needed to reverse the effects.

The transition to clean energy is expected to generate 10.3 million net new jobs globally by 2030. This huge growth will mean that the opportunities your degree will unlock are endless. 

Our bachelor's and integrated master's courses have been created by experts in the industry. We use these partners and our professional networks to develop the course content, making use of real life challenges that are happening in the sector. We have access to a database of energy generation, solar PV farms and fuel cells to help analyse real life scenarios.

Key modules include: solar and wind energy, energy conversion, sustainable transport, energy efficient buildings, smart grid management, and many others. With the option to specialise in your area of interest, these modules will equip you with the right blend of knowledge and skills to integrate renewable energy projects.

On campus you can learn from initiatives like our use of solar panels to heat water for our university cafes, the commitment to our electricity being 100% renewable and our aim to be climate positive by 2030.

At Portsmouth, we also have a number of specialist labs containing state of the art hydrogen and fuel cell testing equipment, battery testing equipment in our Port Eco House, solar PV and solar thermal equipment, wind tunnels for testing wind turbine blades, and electrolysers.

We need your innovative ideas to sustain our world. Clean energy is part of a future that you can help secure.

Choose a university that will prepare you to tackle these challenges with expert knowledge and cutting edge facilities. Choose Portsmouth.

Where to find us 

Renewable Energy Lab
Anglesea Building
Anglesea Rd
Portsmouth
PO1 3DJ