Durham Energy Institute

Durham Energy Institute connects researchers, communities, industry and policymakers to accelerate clean, fair and inclusive energy transitions.

Welcome to Durham Energy Institute

Decarbonising energy is one of the biggest global challenges of our time.

Durham Energy Institute works across the energy sector to connect expertise and broker research partnerships. We provide an independent hub for evidence-led energy transitions that are technically and economically viable, socially acceptable, and environmentally sustainable. Through research, training, and outreach, we collaborate to address key energy challenges. We build the capacity, trust, and networks needed for decisions that integrate diverse perspectives and expertise.

Find out more about us

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Discover

Rethinking the North Sea as a national hydrogen reserve

Depleted North Sea oil and gas fields could store enough green hydrogen to meet electricity needs for years. Our modelling shows how renewables, hydrogen production, and geological storage can work together to create long-term reserves.
Powering the Future: Ammonia as a Clean Fuel

Green ammonia could help decarbonise shipping by replacing fossil fuels. Produced using renewable energy, it offers a low‑carbon option but requires investment in supply, infrastructure, and safety measures to enable widespread, safe adoption.

Rethinking the North Sea as a national hydrogen reserve

Depleted North Sea oil and gas fields could store enough green hydrogen to meet electricity needs for years. Our modelling shows how renewables, hydrogen production, and geological storage can work together to create long-term reserves.

Powering the Future: Ammonia as a Clean Fuel

Green ammonia could help decarbonise shipping by replacing fossil fuels. Produced using renewable energy, it offers a low‑carbon option but requires investment in supply, infrastructure, and safety measures to enable widespread, safe adoption.

DEI Energy Day Conference 2026: Safe and Sound: Energy Security, Innovation and Communities

DEI’s Energy Day, held at Redhills on 5 November, explores energy security amid geopolitical shocks, rising demand and climate impacts. Bringing together academia, industry, policy and communities, it showcases resilient, fair energy solutions to cut emissions and support all communities.

Energy Institute News

DEI Fellows Promoted to Professorship in the Department of Engineering

DEI congratulates Fellows Behzad Kazemtabrizi and Mahmoud Shahbazi on their promotion to Professor in the Department of Engineering at Durham University. These well-deserved promotions recognise their outstanding contributions to research, education, leadership, and the advancement of sustainable energy systems.

Research news
Durham Energy Institute Welcomes First Year 10 Work Experience Cohort

Durham Energy Institute (DEI) has successfully hosted its first full Year 10 work experience programme, welcoming three pupils from UTC South Durham for a week of hands-on learning, research and exploration of the energy transition.

Research news
At the forefront of international energy and climate research

Our researchers are leading on international energy and climate research – from monitoring vulnerable ice sheets to shaping future energy policy.

Global research

DEI Fellows Promoted to Professorship in the Department of Engineering

DEI congratulates Fellows Behzad Kazemtabrizi and Mahmoud Shahbazi on their promotion to Professor in the Department of Engineering at Durham University. These well-deserved promotions recognise their outstanding contributions to research, education, leadership, and the advancement of sustainable energy systems.

Research news