Energy Technologies, Systems, and Governance

In order to address climate change, humankind is seeking to initiate the wholesale decarbonisation of the energy sector. Simultaneously, technological advances are reducing the cost of decentralised energy generation; digitisation and artificial intelligence is allowing greater engagement of consumers; The Internet of Things and Distributed Ledgers are radically changing the way energy is consumed and managed thereby substantially increasing the number of actors which can play a part in the energy transformation.

Foresight Transitions is looking at new ways in which energy futures can be characterised within an anticipatory and co-production framework. This involves scanning for technological advances, novel business models which might be manifest, assessing new consumer energy service value propositions and governance frameworks in different possible futures.

Downloads: Research Papers

McLaren, S. and Workman, M.H.W., 2021.
Sustainable Aviation: Achieving Net Zero in a Post-Covid World.
Summary of a workshop which convened 27 international aviation thought leaders and subject matter specialists across a range of disciplines on 12th January 2021.

McLaren, S. and Workman, M.H.W., 2020.
How will COVID-19 impact our ability to deliver Net Zero
Summary of ATKINS Panel Session with 60 attendees from over 35 organisations on 19th May 2020.

Workman, M.H.W. and McLaren, S., 2020.
The role of Anticipatory Regulation (AR) in achieving Net Zero in a post Covid-19 world.
Summary of an Expert online Panel Session hosted by ATKINS on 5th May 2020.

Heap et al 2017 – Transition to low-carbon heat
Considers options for low-carbon heating to understand their implications for users and energy systems.
Energy Research Partnership Technology Report, October 2017.

Heap et al., 2016 – Role of Hydrogen in UK energy system.
Hydrogen is already entering the energy system, but requires a long-term plan if it is to be used for heat or transport, to make it zero-carbon.
Energy Research Partnership Technology Report, October 2016.

Heap et al., 2012 – Nuclear Technology RD&D Roadmap.
Following the recommendation in ERP’s Nuclear Fission Report in 2010, a project was set up to consider what such a roadmap might look like.
Energy Research Partnership Technology Report, dated 2012.

Workman, M.H.W., 2011.
Bio-energy Technologies Review – Executive Summary and Recommendations.
Energy Research Partnership Technology Report.

Links: Research Papers

Dean, C., Schillebeeckx, S., and Workman, M.H.W., 2017.
Scarcity in the 21st Century: How the Resource Nexus affects Management.
Book Chapter – Natural Resource Management for Business.
Published in February 2018.

Foster, E., Marcello, C., Blazquez, J, Manzano, B., Workman, M.H.W., and Shah, N., 2017.
The unstudied barriers to widespread renewable energy deployment: fossil fuel price responses.
Energy Policy.

Metz, A., Darch, G. and Workman, M.H.W., 2015.
Realising a climate resilient UK electricity and gas system.
Proceedings of the Institute of Civil Engineers.

Hayes-Labruto, L., Schillebeeckx, S., Workman, M.H.W., and Shah, N., 2013.
Contrasting perspectives on China’s rare earths policies: Reframing the debate through a stakeholder lens.
Energy Policy.

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For inquiries regarding future collaboration please get in contact with Mark.