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Ambitious project will create step change for wave energy industry

A €19.6 million partnership project aiming to be the stepping stone towards large scale wave energy commercialisation, will be launched this week at the International Conference on Ocean Energy in San Sebastian, Spain.

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Pivotal report identifies vision for tackling engineering research challenges

A pivotal new report has delivered a long-term vision for how engineering research will help to tackle some of the world’s key challenges.

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Celebrated Marine Renewable Energy conference held at Penryn Campus

Some of the UK’s leading marine renewable energy experts have gathered at the University of Exeter’s Penryn campus to boost floating wind, wave and tidal energy development.

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Peer visits University of Exeter to see state-of-the-art Offshore Energy Research

The Royal Society’s annual Pairing Scheme brings together scientists and policymakers to let research inform policy-making and policy questions shape the research.

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Renewable Energy expert delivers international seminar

A leading Renewable Energy expert has completed a one year international research initiative, designed to develop new station-keeping systems for marine renewable energy devices (MRE).

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Marine-i helps National Lobster Hatchery to develop an innovation to improve lobster stocks

Marine-i is supporting the National Lobster Hatchery to develop a new kind of larval rearing vessel.

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Exeter Scientist joins parliamentarian in 2022 Royal Society Pairing Scheme

Professor Philipp Thies, from the University of Exeter, was one of  a select group of UK Researchers and Scientists in took in new territory, namely the UK Parliament in Westminster. 

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FREE short course ‘Renewable Systems Integration’ University of Exeter and South West Institute of Technology

A free short course in renewable systems integration, hosted by the The University of Exeter and coordinated by The South West Institute of Technology will run over five days between February and March 2022.

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Exeter conducts crucial testing for next generation of sub-sea cable protection

Renewable Energy experts at the University of Exeter have carried out crucial testing for the next generation of sub-sea cable protection equipment.

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Tidal stream power can aid drive for net-zero and generate 11% of UK’s electricity demand, study shows

Tidal stream power has the potential to deliver 11% of the UK’s current annual electricity and play a significant role in the government’s drive for net-zero, according to new research.  

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Exeter researcher secures prestigious national Fellowship to pioneer new generation of solar panels

A Renewable Energy Expert from the University of Exeter has received a prestigious national fellowship to pioneer new research to create ultra-compact and lightweight solar panel technology. 

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Rising research star secures prestigious Fellowship

One of the University of Exeter’s rising research stars has been awarded a prestigious Engineering Research Fellowship, it has been announced. 

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Testing of innovative mooring component holds promise for Floating Wind Technologies

The University of Exeter Offshore Renewable Energy Group and Intelligent Moorings Ltd have successfully completed the demonstration testing of an innovative hydraulic nonlinear mooring system. 

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Boost for Hydrogen Industry in the Marine sector

A pioneering new research and testing facility, designed to drive the replacement of fossil fuels with hydrogen in the marine and boating sector, is set to be launched in Cornwall.

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Marine-i supports innovative application of space data for renewable energy

Marine-i has agreed to support a pioneering new approach to using space data to support the development of renewable energy sites, such as floating offshore wind. This new system could help reduce the risks and costs associated with these developments. 

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Marine-i supports pioneering marine renewable energy project for the Isles of Scilly

Marine-i has agreed to support a year-long research programme to identify the potential for wave, tidal and floating wind technologies to be deployed around the Isles of Scilly. It is expected that this will lead to long-term economic, societal and environmental benefits for the communities living on the islands.

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The Crown Estate decision will accelerate FLOW development in the Celtic Sea, says Marine-i

The Marine-i Project has voiced its strong support for this week’s decision by The Crown Estate, which has announced that it is commencing work to design and deliver a new leasing opportunity for early commercial-scale floating wind projects in the Celtic Sea.

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Marine-i helps Morek pioneer new approach to seafastening

Marine-i research expertise has enabled Morek Engineering to create innovative software to streamline the development of seafastening designs for the offshore renewables market.

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Marine-i supports pioneering 3D printing innovation for floating offshore wind

Expert support from Marine-i is helping 3D printing specialist J-Supplied to develop large scale technology to produce bespoke parts for the floating offshore wind industry, such as custom-designed turbine blades.

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The University of Exeter leads the way in heat pump design training

UK heat pump targets will become more achievable with the development of an exciting new course by the University of Exeter in response to a national scarcity of suitable qualifications at this level.

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Marine-i helps Falco Drone Technologies get ready for lift off

Support from Marine-i is enabling Falco Drone Technologies to develop a pioneering new drone which could play a vital role in the inspection and maintenance of floating offshore wind installations. A prototype of their innovative design will commence trials in summer 2021.

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Innovative Renewable Energy project secures double award success

An innovative project involving the University of Exeter, which is seeking to develop the next generation of offshore renewable energy leads, secured two awards at a recent ceremony.

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Solar Walls could power green transport of the future

Build Solar has won funding to explore whether their technology could be used extensively across UK rail networks in order to harvest solar energy at scale.

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Renewable Energy expert to pioneer new station-keeping systems for marine renewable energy devices (MRE).

A leading Renewable Energy expert from the University of Exeter has received a prestigious visiting scientist funding, to develop new station-keeping systems for marine renewable energy devices (MRE).

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Pioneering Renewable Energy project shortlisted for prestigious award

A pioneering project involving the University of Exeter, which is seeking to develop the next generation of offshore renewable energy leads has been nominated for a prestigious award.

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Marine-i supports development of innovative platform for floating offshore wind construction

A platform designed to aid in the building and launching of floating wind turbines is being researched and tested with support from Marine-i.

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Boost for South West’s floating offshore wind ambitions

Plans to build floating windfarms in the Celtic Sea to generate clean power and create thousands of green jobs have taken a major step forward after being shortlisted by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

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'Outstanding' Exeter staff awarded teaching fellowships

Two "outstanding" University of Exeter staff have won prestigious National Teaching Fellowships.

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Marine-i will stage a special online event on 6th July titled: “Celtic Sea Floating Offshore Wind – An Industrial Response to Supply Chain Opportunity”.

Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Marine-i is designed to help the marine tech sector in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly grow through harnessing the full potential of research and innovation.

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Exeter project to develop new energy-saving windows and facades given £1.65 million funding boost

A pioneering new project to develop revolutionary new energy saving windows and facades has received a significant funding boost.

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Exeter one of eight UK green energy innovators to secure major collaboration to supply world’s fastest growing offshore and renewable energy markets

The University of Exeter is part of a pivotal new research partnership to develop the next generation of marine renewables.

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Marine-i event highlights new wave of opportunities in Floating Offshore Wind

Over 100 marine tech businesses joined a Marine-i online event on the plans for deployment of industrial scale Floating Wind turbines in the Celtic Sea and to explore the supply chain opportunities that this will bring.

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Pivotal new project aims to promote and implement green domestic heating

A pivotal new project, involving Renewable Energy experts from the University of Exeter, has been launched to pioneer new initiatives for greener home heating.

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Exeter’s Ocean Technology Group selected to receive Scottish Government support for Floating Offshore Wind innovation

An engineering research team at the University of Exeter’s Offshore Renewable Energy Group will carry out research into innovative mooring systems for floating offshore wind energy applications.

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Showcasing Cornwall’s marine tech pioneers

A capacity audience attended the Marine Tech Transformers event on 1st November, hosted by Marine-i at Heartlands, Pool. 

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Exeter experts to play key role in ‘game-changing’ tidal energy project for Channel regions

Renewable Energy experts from the University of Exeter will play a pivotal role in a new “game-changing” tidal energy project, it has been confirmed.

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Exeter expert discusses space-based solar power

A Renewable Energy expert from the University of Exeter has taken part in a high-profile debate over the potential to develop space-based solar power.

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Pioneering project in running for prestigious pan-European award

A pioneering project seeking to lead an ethical and sustainable international ‘mining revolution’ has been selected to compete for prestigious European-wide award for women-led innovation.

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Supergen ORE Hub awards £1million to advance research in offshore renewable energy sector

The Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy Hub has awarded almost £1million to UK universities to support ambitious research projects investigating all aspects of offshore renewable energy (ORE).

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Explore nature’s mysterious hidden worlds

Delve into the hidden world of microorganisms, discover the strange creatures that lurk in the deep ocean and the frozen continent, and be amazed by secretive glowing animals at this year’s Science in the Square.

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Penryn students make waves at international solar-powered boat competition

A team of intrepid students from the University of Exeter has been making waves at a special, pan-European eco-racing competition.

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Consortium awarded extra funding to create £9million offshore renewables hub

A national consortium, including the University of Exeter, has been awarded additional funding to cement the UK’s position as a global leader in offshore renewable energy (ORE) innovation and research.

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New partnership to educating next generation of offshore renewable energy leaders

The University of Exeter is a key member of a new international partnership initiative designed to boost multilateral education partnerships to pioneer new developments addressing global challenges.

 

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£1.6m grant to improve building façade technologies for better energy efficiency

A pioneering project to create new technologies to improve the energy efficiency of buildings has begun, after receiving a substantial grant.

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Funding boost supports next generation of highly skilled scientists and engineers for offshore renewable energy industry

The University of Exeter’s role in developing the next generation of offshore renewable energy has received a significant boost, it has been announced.

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Exeter research wins prestigious engineering prize

Pioneering research that seeks to create new techniques to aid the selection, development and deployment of ocean energy systems has been recognised with a prestigious award.

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College hosts its 5th annual Christmas Lectures

On 19th December 2018 the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences hosted their 5th annual Christmas Lectures, arranged by Professor Pete Vukusic, Dr Gihan Marasingha, Dr Alice Mills and Vicky Glazer. 

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A win for Build Solar at the Cornwall Sustainability Awards

Build Solar, an innovative spin-out company from the University of Exeter, lead the way at the Cornwall Sustainability Awards with a win in the "Innovation - Tomorrow's Contribution to Sustainability" category for their impressive new product Solar Squared, a multifunctional glass brick.

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Exeter part of £5million programme to maintain UK’s status as global leader in offshore renewables

The University of Exeter is part of national consortium awarded £5million to bring together a network of academic,

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Scientists use ‘funnel-vision’ to pioneer cheap and efficient solar energy

Scientists have developed a pioneering new technique that could unlock new methods of making solar energy more efficient.

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WaveSub successfully installed at FaBTest

UK wave technology development company Marine Power Systems (MPS) has successfully installed its prototype WaveSub.

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Pioneering mooring rope deployed at a cutting-edge wave energy device

A sophisticated new type of mooring rope has been successfully deployed at a cutting-edge wave energy device.

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Invisible barrier on ocean surface can reduce carbon uptake

An invisible layer of biological compounds on the sea surface reduces the rate at which carbon dioxide gas moves between the atmosphere and the oceans, scientists have reported. 

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Pioneering new Renewable Energy facility opens on Penryn Campus

A pioneering new renewable energy teaching and research centre has officially opened on the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall.

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Research gives new ray of hope for solar fuel

The quest to develop the ‘Holy Grail’ of affordable, viable and environmentally-friendly fuels using sunlight has taken an exciting new twist.

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Renewable Energy students visit Parliament

Renewable Energy Engineering students from the University of Exeter met with three Government ministers as part of a special fact-finding trip to the House of Commons.

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O2 backs eco-friendly phone charging network

A trio of graduates have won backing from mobile phone giant O2 for their eco-friendly phone charging network.

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Project develops next generation of offshore renewable energy technology

World-leading researchers from the University of Exeter will collaborate with counterparts in China on a pioneering new project to develop the next generation of offshore renewable energy (ORE) technologies.

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Buildings to generate their own power with innovative glass blocks

Buildings could soon be able to convert the sun’s energy into electricity without the need for solar panels, thanks to innovative new technology.

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Students launch green phone-charging firm

An eco-friendly phone charging network is being launched by three engineering students from the University of Exeter.

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Falmouth marine energy test site set for further success

A new lease has been signed for marine renewable energy testing in Falmouth Bay.

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European funding launches Marine-i to provide support to marine businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

Up to £6.8m of European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) has been secured to develop marine technology research, development and innovation activities in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

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Elastometric mooring tether performance testing advances wave energy project

The University of Exeter has carried out performance and durability tests on a set of elastometric mooring tethers as part of the H2020-funded OPERA wave energy project. 

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University of Exeter strengthens ties with the Chinese University Hong Kong to address global energy challenges

University of Exeter strengthens ties with the Chinese University Hong Kong to address global energy challenges

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Brexit negotiations crucial for future UK energy supplies and nuclear safeguards

Energy policy offers the UK and EU an important opportunity to develop new models of partnership and common ground imperative to the UK’s future, according to a new Chatham House paper.

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Start-up developing new technology to convert solar energy to electricity receives significant funding boost 

Start-up developing new technology to convert solar energy to electricity receives significant funding boost

An innovative start-up founded by researchers at the University of Exeter has received a significant funding boost to further develop new technology that helps convert solar energy to electricity without the need for solar panels. 

The Spinout from University of Exeter, Build Solar limited has been awarded a project worth of more than £300,000 funding through the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP), from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to help accelerate the widespread introduction of net-zero energy buildings through the latest Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). 

The Build Solar developed an innovative glass brick, which can be incorporated into the fabric of a building and is designed to collect solar energy and convert it to electricity. 

These bricks allow electricity to be produced at the site of use, whilst being seamlessly integrated into the building, maintaining daylighting and thermal insulation. 

The solar glass bricks, called Solar Squared, fit seamlessly into either new buildings, or as part of renovations in existing properties. Solar Squared uses intelligent optics that focus the incoming solar radiation onto small solar cells, enhancing the overall energy generated by each solar cell. 

The funding will be used to develop the Solar Squared technology to become reality and create pathways to commercialisation, to not only increase power generation but also test other environmental parameters at Cornish climatic conditions.  

It will also evaluate the best mechanisms to integrate them in buildings to maximise the thermal and visual comfort, and carry out business development through customer engagement.  

Crucially, the funding will also be used to support employment for the team, providing a boost for the Cornish economy. Professor Tapas Mallick, Director and Chief Scientific Advisor for Build Solar said: “Cornwall has highest renewable energy potential in the UK, and unlocking solar energy in an unconventional way provides pathways into Net-Zero transition quicker than anticipated. 

"This funding will unlock energy generation/utilisation potential within the built environment and support Build Solar for commercialisation new technology at the heart of Cornwall.” 

"Buildings are one of the largest consumers of energy; designing energy generation systems which can integrate well with their architecture could have a very large impact on reducing our future energy needs," said Dr Hasan Baig the Managing Director for Build Solar. 

UK Energy Minister Graham Stuart added: “This funding will see the next generation of energy pioneers drive forward cheap and sustainable low-carbon technologies. This will not only deliver green jobs and lower the costs of energy to businesses but also foster world-leading solutions to net zero and economic growth.”   

Neil Hayes, Assistant Director of Innovation, Impact and Business at The University of Exeter said: "This award is a significant milestone for BuildSolar and will help bring the technology a step closer to making a real contribution to energy efficiency and the transition to net zero in the built environment. The University of Exeter is pleased to be working with BuildSolar to deliver meaningful impact from our world leading research."

For more information about Solar Squared, please visit www.buildsolar.co.uk

Date: 8 February 2023

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