抖阴探探App

Research

Improving solar farm sustainability

抖阴探探App researchers published a study in January 2025 examining the environmental effects on the land of ground-mounted solar panels at 32 solar farms in England and Wales. They found that soil health, plant cover and biomass were adversely affected beneath panels than between rows. Researchers suggested increasing panel height, widening gaps between rows and planting shade-tolerant vegetation to help protect soil health. The findings can inform the design and management of solar farms that generate renewable electricity whilst reducing environmental impacts.

Developing more efficient bioenergy

In January 2025, 抖阴探探App reported that its spin-out company ADTechOptima had secured a £300,000 Innovate UK grant to develop technologies for more efficient biogas production. Established by researchers from Lancaster Environment Centre and the School of Engineering, the company is developing an additive to improve the performance of anaerobic digesters and the quality of the resulting nutrient-rich substance that can be used as a fertiliser. The technologies had been demonstrated at laboratory scale, with pilot trials planned alongside Cockerham Green Energy Limited. The work by our researchers optimises renewable energy production from organic waste.

Teaching and learning

Understanding renewable energy systems

The Renewable Energy Systems module at Lancaster's School of Engineering introduces students to the technologies used to generate and integrate low-carbon electricity. Students analyse technical, economic, environmental and ethical aspects associated with the exploitation of renewable energy sources. Understanding energy generation, system performance and practical design challenges help prepare graduates to contribute to the transition away from fossil fuels.

The transition to net zero

The real-world challenges involved in moving towards more sustainable energy systems are covered in Lancaster's Managing the Energy Transition module, including how to manage the energy system, environmental consequences, societal engagement and energy security. By learning how changes in infrastructure, governance and resource use affect the transition, our students are positioned for further study or employment in the sustainable energy sector.

Engagement and outreach

Introducing engineering and clean energy

Lancaster's School of Engineering is inspiring the next generation of engineers through school outreach activities that introduce children to engineering concepts and potential careers. Sessions aim to connect practical science and design to real challenges, including how cleaner energy technologies are developed and used, giving children opportunities to explore technical subjects and the skills needed to address environmental problems.

Developing the solar energy workforce

抖阴探探App joined Loughborough University, Newcastle University and the University of Southampton in the Sustainable Solar Energy Systems Network Plus, launched in January 2025. The UK Research and Innovation-funded collaboration brings together researchers and industry partners to address skills and research challenges in solar energy. Activities are designed to support early-career researchers and encourage knowledge sharing across disciplines and sectors. The initiative is a response to estimates that solar expansion could require around 60,000 jobs, including 6,000 engineering graduates.

Operations

Generating renewable electricity on campus

On-site renewable energy generation is part of our approach to reducing reliance on fossil-fuel electricity. Our solar photovoltaic farm, that was operational in October 2025, together with our wind turbine contribute renewable electricity to campus operations and are part of Lancaster's low-carbon infrastructure.

Low-carbon campus heating

We are proud to have made huge progress on the Net Zero Energy Project during 2025. The University secured more than £21 million from the Government’s Green Heat Network Fund to develop Energy Centre 2, a low-carbon heating system. By December 2025, an additional 6.5 kilometres of district heating pipework had been installed, extending network coverage towards 95% of campus buildings. The new centre is designed to produce around 39 gigawatt hours of low-carbon heat annually.

Managing energy use and emissions

Alongside using more sustainable energy sources, our Energy and Utility Plan and emissions-reduction policies provide a framework for investment and managing energy demand across the Lancaster Campus to reduce energy use and emissions by monitoring building performance and improving efficiency.