Future of Energy

In our Future of Energy research section we consider how technological advances, environmental impacts and societal developments will change our energy usage in the future.

Energy, perhaps more than any other area of our research, has defined our current world order. Consequently, the potential for energy self-sufficiency and sustainability in the future has far-reaching transformative effects.

As we continue to expand our generating capacity from renewable sources of energy—such as solar, wind, geo-thermal, tidal and hydroelectric—through reduced costs, expanded usage and greater production efficiency, the economics of carbon energy sources will deteriorate further. Environmental and social pressures will ensure that the embryonic political will continues to grow and removes friction from this process.

Demand-side improvements also have an important role to play to drive down per capita energy usage through energy efficiency breakthroughs. Order of magnitude improvements in our energy storage capabilities, and solutions that have abundant raw materials and less waste, will be required so battery technology is an important focus of our attention.

Longer-term, of course, we will develop and understand new sources of energy such as nuclear fusion and harnessing off-planet energy sources.

'Environmental and social pressures will ensure that the embryonic political will continues to grow and remove friction'

Batteries

Government provides cash for EV battery development

Technologies including high-performance batteries for electric vehicles are to receive a government cash boost. The funding will be available through the government’s Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund,