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Uni explores alternative energy

A laboratory has been opened by researchers in Northumbria that may lead to a constant supply of renewable energy through the national grid.

The Northumbria University lab is linked to renewable energy at the university’s city centre campus.

The quantity and quality of power generated from wind turbines and solar panels will be monitored.

Electrical engineer Dr Ghanim Putrus said: “We have installed new wind turbines and photovoltaic systems on campus and these are harnessing wind and solar energy which is being channelled directly into the national grid.

“They are providing the university with a valuable source of energy and we hope in the future to install further green systems to make a significant contribution towards the university’s energy consumption.

“One of the most exciting aspects of our new laboratory is the opportunity for us to undertake groundbreaking research into new technologies for sustainable electrical-power generation, including the quality and cost-effectiveness of the power being generated, which could solve the problems of harvesting energy in the future.”

University researchers are working with companies and organisations in the region, such as the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) in Blyth.

They believe their work will help inform energy policy makers.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .