Accelerating Energy Research – Plans submitted for new Birmingham Energy Institute

The Proposal is to create a nexus for energy research and cross disciplinary science and engineering across the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Such a facility would be unique in the UK to carry out world-class research in energy materials and products through circular economy concepts encompassing the entire product life cycle from innovation and manufacture through to reclamation and recycling.

The new facility will accelerate the growth in activities in energy futures, which continues to grow within the University. The lack of a focal point for energy research has been a major obstacle to attracting industry funding when bringing potential funders into campus. The building provides specialist laboratory and digital visualisation spaces for several academic research groups, as well as write up and collaboration and meeting space for commercial and academic research fellows and technical staff.

The Birmingham Energy Institute (BEI), draws on the broad capabilities and expertise at the University of Birmingham and its strong relationship with collaborators from academia and industry, to produce studies and policy documents addressing the challenges facing today’s energy system. Nationally, the BEI is influencing and shaping policy on critical issues such as waste management, materials supply, and decarbonisation of heat to shape the energy solutions of tomorrow.

The building is focused on delivering a low carbon solution with a focus on low carbon materials and framing solutions. The building is also smart enabled building that can evolve with technology and provide both research potential within the building, and more outwardly for the whole campus.

The scheme has been submitted for planning approval, with the intention to begin construction in 2024.