Reducing Methane Emissions
While electricity systems have made significant progress towards decarbonisation, sectors such as industrial heating and shipping continue to lag behind. Gaseous energy supply chains—including hydrogen, ammonia and biogas—offer promising low-carbon alternatives that can provide flexible, cost-effective energy while reducing pressure on electricity grids.
Paul Balcombe’s research group explores how gas-based energy systems can meet future energy demands without creating unintended environmental harm. A key research theme is the measurement and mitigation of methane emissions, given their strong impacts on climate change and air quality. The group is working with industry to devise emission reduction solutions in particular for the shipping industry.
A spin-out company, Methanox, works with shipping companies to tackle methane emissions from gas powered vessels. The group also examines barriers to deployment through integrated energy policy and systems analysis. The research is highly interdisciplinary, combining chemical engineering, environmental science, life-cycle assessment and energy policy.
Imaging methane emmisions from shipping
- More information: Centre for Sustainable Engineering
- Contact: Dr. Paul Balcombe